Updates

At Seattle Bank, protecting your personal and financial information is one of our top priorities. This week we’re advocating for Identity Theft Awareness Week, Jan 27-31, and want to share practical tips to help you stay vigilant and reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Identity theft can happen to anyone, but with the right precautions, you can reduce your risk significantly.

1. Keep Personal Information Secure

Be cautious about sharing sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details. Only provide these when necessary and only to trusted parties.

Our Tip: Verify requests for personal information by contacting the organization directly using their official contact information.

2. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Reviewing your bank and credit card statements frequently is one of the best ways to catch unauthorized activity early.

Our Tip: Use Seattle Bank’s account alerts to receive real-time notifications of transactions.

3. Shred Sensitive Documents

Throwing away documents with personal information without shredding them can leave you vulnerable to theft.

Our Tip: Use a cross-cut shredder or take advantage of local shredding events.

4. Stay Safe Online

Fraudsters often use phishing emails and fake websites to steal information. Be cautious when interacting online.

Our Tip: Look for https:// and a padlock symbol in your browser before entering sensitive information on a website. The “s” in “https”  means the website is secure. This is because it uses a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate, which helps keep your information safe while you’re browsing.  

5. Strengthen Passwords

Weak passwords make it easier for identity thieves to access your accounts. Create strong, unique passwords for each account.

Our Tip: Use a password manager to generate and securely store passwords.

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring an additional verification step, such as a text message code or app confirmation.

Our Tip: Activate 2FA on all accounts, especially for banking and email.

7. Protect Your Devices

Keeping your devices secure is critical. Update software regularly, install antivirus protection, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.

Our Tip: Use a virtual private network (VPN) if you are accessing financial accounts on public Wi-Fi.

8. Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.

Our Tip: Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to freeze your credit for free.

9. Stay Alert to Scams

Fraud tactics are constantly evolving. Educating yourself about common scams helps you spot them early.

Our Tip: Check the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for updates on fraud prevention and identity theft.

10. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

If you suspect identity theft, act quickly to limit the damage. Notify your bank, credit bureaus, and law enforcement immediately.

Our Tip: Seattle Bank clients can reach out to us directly for assistance with securing their accounts.

Partnering with You to Stay Secure

At Seattle Bank, we’re committed to protecting your financial future. From real-time account alerts to personalized fraud prevention support, we’re here to help you stay safe.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact us today. Let’s work together to outsmart identity thieves during Identity Theft Awareness Week and every day.