How can you increase security and protect your financial accounts from fraud? Here are some important steps to take, including tracking your finances online and monitoring your credit.

Manage Your Finances Online

With online access to your accounts, you can keep an eye on your finances to quickly discover and report fraud. Just make sure to use strong, unique passwords.

• Sign up for online banking and download our mobile app.
• Set up alerts that notify you of account transactions. This is easy with Card Center.
• Use Money Management in online banking to track all of your accounts, including those with other financial institutions.

Contact us immediately if any transactions seem suspicious.

Read More: Card Fraud Text Alerts FAQ

Monitor Your Credit

It’s a good idea to watch for errors or signs of fraud on your credit report. Each of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) offers a free report once a year. You can find more information at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

• Check your credit report each year and correct any errors.
• If you have a loan with us, you can view your FICO^® Score for free in online banking or our mobile app.
• If you do not have upcoming large purchases, such as a home, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports.

A credit freeze can prevent criminals from obtaining credit in your name. This service is free, and you can do it yourself.

Read More: Credit Freeze FAQ

Take Action Against Fraud

If you have been the victim of fraud:

• Call or text us at 503-256-5858 to let us know. After hours, you can email us. If you have Card Center set up, turn off the compromised card so scammers can’t use it.
• File a local police report.
• File a short report with the Federal Trade Commission to report the fraud or identity theft.

You might want to set up an IRS account. If you do so using your social security number, it will prevent criminals from establishing an account using your identity. You can also lock your social security number.

And consider keeping your notes. The paper trail may become a useful resource should you face identity theft issues or inaccuracies in your credit report in the future.

Find more online security best practices here.