SBD Security Center

Sensible Steps for Personal Safety, Account Security
and Identity Theft Protection

Identity theft is a federal crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal information in a fraudulent or deceptive manner.

With the banking conveniences made possible by ATM’s, point of sale transactions, electronic debits and credits, online banking and mobile banking, comes an increased need for security and personal caution to protect yourself against identity theft.

You need to protect your personal safety as well as your Debit Cards, PIN’s, cell phones and computers. 

General Tips

-Shred any of the following before you discard them: 

• Bank statements
• Credit card applications or bills
• Any correspondence regarding your employment or financial holdings
• Expired credit cards

-Never give out your social security number.

-Do not open emails from unknown senders.

-Protect all of your passwords.

-Review all bank statements and credit card bills for unauthorized activity.

-Obtain a copy of your credit report periodically:

• Equifax – (800) 525-6285 or Equifax.com
• Experian – (888) 397-3741 or Experian.com
• Trans Union – (800) 680-7289 or TransUnion.com

If you suspect there might be a problem, contact the police immediately. Also contact your bank and credit card companies and call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Hotline at 877- IDTHEFT (877-438-4338).

At the ATM

Protect your Debit Card and PIN.  Never write your PIN on the card and do not keep it in close proximity to the card. Avoid using numbers that are easily identified (birth date, phone number, etc.)  Do not give your PIN or card to anyone else.  Report a lost or stolen card immediately to limit your potential liability. 

At a drive up ATM, roll up passenger windows and lock your doors.  If you are using a walk up ATM, lock your car.  When at the ATM give the person ahead of you enough space to ensure privacy.  Use your body and free hand to shield the keypad when entering your PIN.  Be on the lookout for skimming devices (devices attached to an ATM to capture the information on the magnetic strip). If the machine looks like it has been tampered with or has any loose parts, don’t use it.

Secure your cash immediately and count it when you are in a safe location. Never leave your receipt behind.  Although the numbers have been truncated, possession of a receipt might enable someone else to obtain confidential information about you, your account or your card.

Point of Sale

If possible, do not let your debit/credit card leave your sight.  A dishonest merchant could “skim” your card while it is out of your sight.  If you are using your PIN for a transaction, use your body and free hand to shield the keypad when entering your PIN.  Make sure that you are not being charged for any “Cash Back” if you answered “No” to the cash back option.

PCs and Other Electronic Devices
 
Make sure to keep your computer updated with the latest anti-virus software.  Do not answer any email inquires about your card number or PIN number.  Savings Bank of Danbury will never ask you for this type of information via an email.  Do not use a public computer to access your bank or credit card websites or to order merchandise using a credit card as the payment method.

Other Resources (click below to view)

Brochure:  Important Facts About Your Account Authentication & Online Banking

Brochure:  Risk Assessment & Layered Security for Online Business Transactions

Brochure:  Tools to Prevent Identity Theft

Brochure:  ATM & Debit Card Safety Tips