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Security Center
Be assured that your security and privacy are protected
The directors, management and all associates of Merchants Bank of Alabama, a division of SouthPoint Bank, appreciate and respect the privacy of our customers’ personal financial information. We understand that our customers furnish sensitive information to the bank in the course of our daily business, and the bank is committed to treating this information responsibly. We know that our customers expect privacy and security for their personal and financial affairs. We take reasonable and appropriate steps to safeguard sensitive information that has been entrusted to us by our customers.
Security Issues
How safe is my account information?
Merchants Bank uses the latest security technology and state-of-the-industry security software and hardware to ensure your account information remains safe. With proven encryption, firewalls and trusted operating systems incorporated into our overall banking architecture, we have made it possible for secure and authentic transactions to take place over the Internet.
Where can I find more information about security?
Please refer to our online Security section for more detailed information on how we keep your banking information safe with Internet Banking.
How to Reach Us
How do I contact the bank if I have a question or comment about Internet Banking or Bill Payer?
If you have any questions, comments or concerns you can call us at 256-734-8110 or e-mail us at onlinebanking@merchantsbankal.bank from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
We will respond to e-mail messages with an answer or confirmation notice within 24 hours of receiving the message. Please include your name, mailing address, phone number and a general description of your question so we can promptly review your account activity and respond either by e-mail, telephone or U.S. Mail. Please note that e-mail is not a secure environment like Online Banking. Please do not include any sensitive information in your e-mail, such as account numbers, passwords or social security numbers.
Can Merchants Bank answer questions about my Internet Service connection or my computer?
Your best source of information regarding any issues you have with your Internet connection is your Internet Service Provider (such as HIWAAY, MINDSPRING, POWERNET, LINKFAST, AOL, MCI, AT&T, etc.). Their customer service personnel are trained to answer all your Internet connection questions. The same holds true for any questions about your computer. Contact the hardware manufacturer or software company for best results.
Can I use Online Banking from outside the United States?
Yes! Just use a secure browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.
Security tips to protect you against fraudulent activity
- At Merchants Bank of Alabama, our priority is to take care of our customers. Many people fall victim to theft and fraudulent activity and as your financial caretakers, we want to equip you with helpful advice on how to protect yourself and your family.
- When you reorder your checks, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name printed on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but the bank will know how you sign your checks.
- Sign your new check or debit cards as soon as they arrive in the mail or note “Check Identification” on the signature line.
Treat your cards like money. Store them in a secure place. - Limit the number of credit cards you carry on a regular basis. Only carry the cards you will use.
- Do NOT write your personal identification number (PIN) on the back of your bank or credit cards. Keep all PIN numbers in a secure place, not written on papers in your wallet.
- Select a PIN not associated with your birthday, social security number or phone number.
- Do NOT print your Social Security number on checks or any other bank related documents for retail use.
- Shred anything with your account number before throwing it away, including pre approved credit card offers.
- Do NOT give your card number over the phone unless you initiate the call. Always ask why your information is needed before providing it.
- Do NOT write any bank or credit card number or your Social Security number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.
- Remember to get your card and receipt after a transaction and double-check to be sure they are yours.
- Notify card issuers immediately if your billing statement is incorrect or your credit cards are lost or stolen.
- If you do not receive your monthly billing statement, notify the company immediately.
- Request a copy of your credit report every few years. Reviewing your report will tell you if anyone has applied for credit in your name and if any accounts are being used without your knowledge with the billing address being sent to a different address.
- Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel if they are stolen. Keep the photocopies in a safe place and keep the file current.
- If you have your purse or wallet stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent and is the first step toward an investigation should there be one.
Protect Your Credit Rating. Call the three national credit reporting organizations IMMEDIATELY to place fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This alerts creditors to contact you by phone to authorize new credit
Equifax:
1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta GA 30374-0241
Experian:
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com
P.O. Box 9532
Allen TX 75013
Trans Union:
1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271
If your Merchants Bank of Alabama credit or check/debit/ATM card is lost or stolen, report it immediately by calling the following toll free number:
Merchants Bank of Alabama MasterCard CHECK (Debit) cards: 1-800-500-1044
Merchants Bank of Alabama VISA CREDIT cards:
1-800-883-0131
Or for MasterCard Assist Services:
1-800-MC-ASSIST Or collect (314) 542-7111 Internationally
Call us at (256) 734-8110 or (800) 840-4458 with your comments or questions.
Patriot Act
According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the country. Our ability to feel safe is becoming more difficult with terrorism and crime on a steady increase.
But there is hope…
The USA Patriot has paved the way for financial institutions to help prevent fraud, identify theft, and the spread of terrorism. It requires financial institutions to obtain more information from an individual or legal entity to help establish identity.
Your cooperation is needed when you open a new account or request a loan. You may be asked more questions to establish and confirm your identity. It may also be required for you to provide one or more of the following types of identification:
- Driver’s license
- Passport and country of issuance
- U.S. taxpayer identification (ID) number
- Alien ID card
- Any other government-issued document evidencing nationally or residence
Learn more about Identity Theft Protection.
FTC Identity Theft > Internet Crime Complaint Center >
Cybersecurity Awareness Course
Because internet security is so important, we are making a free online security course available to our customers right here on our website. This course will help to educate you about safe online banking practices, and also about passwords, giving out personal information, protecting children online, protecting your identity, securing your computer and home network, spam viruses and more such as opening up email and attachments.
Being informed about how to protect yourself against cyber-risks can be a key defense against fraud and identity theft. This course is for all members of your family who are regularly on the internet and is based on real-life stories. It is taught by Kevin Mitnick, an American computer security consultant and best selling author.
FDIC Insurance
FDIC insurance covers all deposit accounts, including checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit. The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. Learn more about FDIC insurance.
