PROTECT YOUR MONEY
How to secure your bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards
Tips to protect you and your money
Scammers show up wearing many different hats – from that of a government official, a known business, “Tech” support, or a dear family member or friend.
Additional Resources
-
Protect Your Account
- Set up Account Alerts in Online Banking and get alerts via email or SMS text messaging. When you sign up for alerts via SMS, you'll also get SMS fraud alerts for your debit card. Simply log in to Online Banking, go to the Account Alerts page to set up your preferences
- Sign up for online statements and stop paper statements
- Log in to your account weekly, if not daily, to review it for suspicious activity and report any unusual or unauthorized charges immediately
-
Password Tips
- Memorize your passwords and PINs and change them regularly
- Don't use obvious or well-known information for your passwords (such as birthdates, anniversaries, etc.)
- Don't write your password down or tell it to anyone
-
Use ATMs Safely
- Never give anyone your ATM, debit or credit card(s)
- Always be aware of people and your surroundings. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, don’t use the ATM. Come back at a later time or find an ATM in a more secure location
- Look at the ATM, if it looks like it has been tampered with, your card does not enter smoothly or there is extra equipment that does not look right, do not use it. These could be indicators that a skimming device has been attached to the ATM in an attempt to steal your card information
- When entering your PIN, shield the ATM keypad with your other hand or your body
- After withdrawing money, put away your card and cash before leaving the ATM area. Count your cash later in your locked car or at home
- Report all crimes immediately to the ATM operator or law enforcement
-
Online Shopping Tips
- Don't trust a website without checking on the security/encryption software it uses
- Get a street address (not a post office box) and telephone number, then call the seller to see if the telephone number is correct and working
- Check out the Better Business Bureau from the seller's area on the website
- Be cautious when buying from individuals/companies located far away or outside the U.S.
- Don't send your debit or credit card number by email or text as this is not secure
- Don't give anyone your debit or credit card number by phone unless you initiated the call
-
Debit & Credit Card Security
- Keep a list of your debit and credit card numbers and customer service phone numbers in case your cards are lost or stolen. Keep this information in a safe place
- Never write your PIN on your card
- When you receive a replacement debit or credit card, activate it right away and destroy your old card
- Securely store or dispose of your debit and credit card receipts
- Keep your contact information up to date in the event the Bank needs to verify transactions or sign up for SMS via mobile app
-
Safeguard Your Checks
- Don't write your Social Security Number or Driver's License number on your checks
- Store new and canceled checks in a secure place
- Shred old checks, receipts, account statements and documents that contain personal information
- Don't carry your checkbook with you unless it's necessary
Privacy and policy resources
Tell us where you live
Choose your state of legal residence. We can then give you information about the products and services available in your area.
Note: Bank of the West has branches only in the states listed in the drop-down. At this time, we only open accounts for individuals and businesses in these states.