Customer Awareness
Online Banking Security Tips
As with performing any online transactions, there are certain risks associated with banking online. In an effort to educate our customers on enhanced electronic security we provide the following:
When Will Washington State Bank Contact You for Personal Information?
Washington State Bank will never initiate a phone call or email asking you to verify your Social Security number or account number. We may, however, contact you in the following situations:
- If mail is returned for incorrect address and we do not have record of receiving an address change request from you.
- If you are in the process of opening an account with us and we need additional information.
- If you have submitted an Online Bill Payment and there is a question on the address or company information.
- If you are enrolled for Online/Mobile Banking and have not used them for a period of time.
- If your Online/Mobile Banking is locked out.
- If you are a business and submit an ACH file; we will verify this with you.
- If your debit card is captured in an ATM.
- If your debit card or PIN mailer is returned to the Bank.
How to Recognize the Warning Signs of a Potentially Compromised Computer System
- The inability to log into online banking
- Dramatic loss of computer speed
- Changes in the way things appear on the screen
- Computer locks up so the user can't perform any functions
- Unexpected rebooting or restarting of the computer
- Unexpected request for a one-time password in the middle of an online session
- Unusual pop-up messages
- New or unexpected toolbars and/or icons
- Inability to shut down or restart the computer
Strengthening Online Security at Home and the Office
For guidance on strengthening your internal online security, both at home and the office, click here to view our customer awareness section.
For your business
Small businesses are prime targets for identity theft, especially as the use of online banking increases. Did you know that 74% of businesses say they have experienced online banking fraud, according to a 2012 study by Guardian Analytics and Ponemon Institute.
We recommend that you look closely at your online risk. The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection publishes tips and legal requirements on data security for the information businesses keep on their customers and employees. Businesses, in particular, will find valuable information at FTC.gov.
Credit/Debit Card Skimmers
Another threat that is becoming more common is card skimmers. To combat this, financial institutions are adopting a new “EMV” chip technology for their debit card systems. However, it will take time for all retailers to adopt the new technology as well. For information on how to detect and identify them as well as general tips on keeping your information safe while using public terminals go to FBI.gov.
Consumer Protection - Regulation E
Regulation E provides rules for error resolution and unauthorized transactions for electronic fund transfers, which includes most transactions processed online. In addition, it establishes limits to your financial liability for unauthorized electronic fund transfers. Detailed information can be found in the "Error Resolution Notice" which is located on the back of each periodic statement. These limits, however, are directly related to the timeliness of your detection and reporting of issues to Washington State Bank. It is for this reason that we encourage you to immediately review periodic account statements and to regularly monitor your account activity online.
The "Electronic Fund Transfers" disclosure provided to you at the time of account opening provides detailed information. Upon request, a free copy of the disclosure will be provided to you.
In the event you have security related questions, or notice suspicious activity on your account, you may contact us during normal business hours by calling 337-826-8641, by contacting your local Washington State Bank Branch, or by sending a secure online message.
Protecting Children’s Online Privacy
Washington State Bank encourages protection of children's information on the internet. We do not knowingly collect, maintain, or use personally identifiable information about persons under the age of 13 without first obtaining consent from their parents or legal guardians. For more information about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), click here to access the FTC's website.