Privacy Policy

Privacy Standards

Farmers & Merchants Bank is committed to providing the highest level of security to the sensitive financial information you have provided to us. We wish to offer you the financial products and services that you need to accomplish your financial goals, while at the same time safeguarding your privacy. We believe we can accomplish both objectives through the Privacy Standards that we have established.

 

Recognition of our Customers Expectation of Privacy

Farmers & Merchants Bank recognizes and respects that our customers intend for their financial information to remain confidential.

 

Collection, Use and Retention of Customer Information

We collect, use and retain information about our customers only where we believe that it will be useful (and allowed by law) to conducting our business or providing products, services and other financial opportunities to you. This information is obtained from loan applications, deposit account agreements, transactions and credit bureau reports. We use this information to administer your records, accounts and funds; for comply with certain laws and regulations; and to understand your financial needs so that we may design or improve the products and services we offer our customers.

 

Maintaining Accurate Information

We continually strive to maintain complete and accurate information about you and your accounts. Should you ever believe that our records contain inaccurate or incomplete information, please notify us immediately. Requests to correct inaccurate information will receive our prompt attention.

 

Employee Access to Information

Farmers & Merchants Bank employees are required to adhere to our Code of Ethics, which states that all customer information is to be utilized only for the expressed business purpose for which it was given and restricted within the bank to those who need to know.

 

Established Security Procedures for Protection of Information

We are committed to the security of your personal and financial information. Our operational and data processing systems are maintained in a secure environment that protects your account information from being accessed by unauthorized parties.

 

Restriction of the Disclosure of Account Information

Farmers & Merchants Bank does not reveal information from loan applications, deposit account agreements, transactions or credit bureau reports to third parties for their independent use unless:

1. the information is provided to help complete a customer initiated transaction;
2. the customer requests it;
3. the disclosure is required by law (e.g., subpoena, investigation of fraudulent activity, etc.);
4. the disclosure is allowed by law (e.g., Fair Credit Reporting Act);
5. the customer has been informed about the possibility of disclosure for marketing or similar purposes through a prior communication and is given the opportunity to decline (i.e., Apt out).

 

Maintaining Customer Privacy in Business Relationships with Third Parties

Customer information will only be provided to a third party for use by the third party to perform services or functions on behalf of Farmers & Merchants Bank. The third party must enter into an agreement with Farmers & Merchants Bank that requires them to maintain the confidentiality of the information.

 

Disclosure of Information About Former Customers

Information about individuals who are no longer customers of Farmers & Merchants Bank will be given the same level of confidentiality as information about our current customers.

 

Disclosure of Privacy Standards to out Customers

At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we value our customer relationships. We want you to understand how we use the information you provide and our commitment to ensuring your personal privacy. If you have any questions about these Privacy Standards, please contact us.