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First Bank of Montana
Online Banking Access

Security Center

We are here to help protect your money

Electronic banking offers exceptional convenience and efficiency for customers, and we use the latest technology and tools to ensure it’s safe and secure as well.

Along with everything we do, you play the most important role in protecting your personal information and accounts. Being aware and informed about how to protect your personal information is the first line of defense. Criminals look for opportunities to gain access to your accounts by tricking you into giving them personal information in different ways. You can avoid giving them what they need by staying informed about common practices.
  • User Names & Passwords - Protect your user names and passwords or PIN’s. Don’t give them to anyone!
  • Suspicious Activity - Contact your bank regarding any suspicious activity.
  • Personal Identification Information - Keep your items like your social security card and number in a safe place - never carry it with you.
  • Lost or Stolen Items - Report lost or stolen credit cards, debit cards, drivers license or ID cards immediately.
  • Documents - Shred any documents you no longer need that have personally identifiable information on them.
  • Missing Mail - Report any missed account statements to your bank in case they have been stolen from your mailbox.
  • Sign up for eStatements - This keeps your information out of the hands of thieves who might steal them from the mail or trash.
We want you to know about ways you can protect your information. The following web sites offer helpful information and consumer guidance, and we encourage you to visit them. If you are ever in doubt about a request for information, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your bank is aware of most scams and has access to key resources when new ones appear.
  • Tips on privacy, identity theft and online security.
  • Scam alerts
  •  Protecting yourself online
  • Information about types of Internet Fraud
U.S. Department of Treasury Notices:
You’ve invested a lot in starting, maintaining, and growing your business. We’re invested in designing the tools you need to help shield your business against the increasing problem of identity theft and check fraud.

Reporting Fraud to First Bank of Montana: 

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account please contact us as soon as possible.
If you have received an email from First Bank of Montana that you feel is fraudulent, please forward it to stopfraud@1stbmt.com and we will investigate.

If you are uncomfortable forwarding the email, or if you fear you have already provided personal information over the Internet to a fraudster or identity thief, please contact First Bank of Montana Customer Service Center as soon as possible at 406-538-7471.

Additional Resources to Report Fraud:

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam or financial fraud, the following are different organizations to file reports with:

  • FBI portal to file an Internet crime complaint.
  •  Report Identity theft
  • Report Mail Fraud (Mailed Scams, example: Sweepstakes, lotteries, work-at home scams)
  • Report Identity Theft

Information about current fraud scams:

  • Anti-virus software – These are programs that have been designed to detect viruses which may infect your computer through emails you receive or programs you download from the internet
  • Firewalls – Used to block outside attacks from hackers, filter infected files or emails, and alert you if an unauthorized user tries to access your system
  • Encryption – With this technology, your data is encrypted, or scrambled, so even if it is intercepted by criminals it won’t be easy to read or use
  • Passwords – The more complex the password, the less likely it is to be deciphered by a perpetrator using even the most sophisticated techniques.
    • To create safer passwords:
      • Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters
      • Create a completely unique password for each application or account
      • Avoid using everyday words that can be found in the dictionary
      • Don’t create passwords that are specific to you such as your spouse’s name or your birthdate
      • Change your passwords often
  • Software Updates – many viruses take advantage of bugs in software. Updating frequently will protect your computer
  • Log-Off – always log off and close your browser especially when using a public computer. The next person to use it might be able to access your account if you haven’t logged off properly.

Cybersecurity for Small Businesses – FTC

Any business that uses the Internet is responsible for creating a culture of security that will enhance a business and consumer confidence. To learn more, visit The Federal Communications Commissions website




Proudly serving our Montana communities for the next 100 years with branches in Lewistown, Big Sandy, Chester, Chinook, Choteau, Conrad, Fairfield, Fort Benton, Plentywood and Vaughn.