Security Center
Helping you make sound financial decisions is our top priority. That is why we strive to provide the latest tools and information needed to protect yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud, which are both increasingly common crimes on and offline.
Security Insights
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Avoid Identity Theft and Fraud
Keep your personal information safe and secure with these tips. -
In this electronic age, your personally identifying information has become a gold mine to the thieves and fraudsters— and it seems there is never an end to the ways they will try to obtain that information from you. There are many things that you can do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, and these articles can help you get started.
- Financial Records - What to Toss and When: Bank statements, credit card bills, canceled checks and other documents can be useful for tax purposes, as proof of a transaction or payment, or for other reasons. But how long should you keep them?
- Your Wallet: a Loser's Manual: If you lose your wallet, don't panic. Follow these steps.
- Credit ID Theft: Avoid ID theft with quick tips from the Federal Trade Commission.
- Fight ID Theft by Regularly Monitoring Your Credit Report: The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
- How to Catch a Phish: Phishing occurs when cyber criminals send forged emails to trick you into clicking fraudulent links or providing valuable information. Be sure to check your emails for these four signs.
- Local Spoofing Scam: Recently, we have received questions from customers regarding phone calls from Timberland Bank occurring after business hours. These phone calls are not from Timberland Bank and are most likely a form of phone fraud known as "Caller ID Spoofing."
- Advance Fee Loan Scam: Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) recently issued an alert outlining an apparent “Advance Fee Loan Scam”. Review tips for spotting and avoiding similar scams.
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Protect Yourself and Others
Help keep your friends and family safe from ID theft and fraud. -
We owe it to ourselves and each other to take the necessary precautions to safeguard our accounts. Click the links below to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others from fraud:
- Fraud Against the Elderly: FDIC Consumer Information provides suggestions on spotting and preventing elder abuse.
- Tips for Seniors Wanting to Help Relatives from FDIC Consumer News: This article will guide you through the ways you can help out while still protecting yourself and your finances.
- Beware of Malware: Think before you click! Malware is designed to spread like a contagious illness, infecting other computers it comes into contact with.
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Tech Tips
Follow these best practices to keep your information secure while using technology. -
These articles provide basic tips to keep your personal and identifying information safe and secure while using technology:
- Cyber Security Checklist: Review these reminders about 10 simple things bank customers can do to help protect their computers and their money from online criminals.
- Advanced Password Tips and Tricks: If it's time to create a new password, this article can help ensure that it's a smart one.
- How to Protect Yourself from Data Breaches: These tips can help you avoid losing money in the event of a widespread data breach.
- Tips for Shopping Online: Follow these simple steps to stay safe and secure when shopping online.
- Mobile Wallet Services Protection: Tips on how to safeguard your mobile wallet.
- Don't Get Taken by Wire Transfer Scams: Using a bank or a money transfer company to "wire" funds electronically is an easy and convenient way to send cash to someone. But it can also open you up to fraud.
- Scams! When Telemarketer Calls Don't Ring True: If you get a robocall, hang up.
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Help, I'm a Victim
When the unthinkable happens and your ID is stolen or you experience fraud, don't panic. Follow these guides. -
Identity theft and fraud are increasingly common crimes. If you suspect that you're a victim of ID theft or fraud, follow the advice in these articles:
- Signs of ID Theft: Here are a few easy-to-spot clues that someone may have stolen your identity.
- When Small Charges can Signal Big Crime: You will spot ID theft and fraud sooner by monitoring your accounts frequently.
- What to Do if Your ID is Stolen: This step-by-step guide can help you get things in order if your identity is stolen.