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Security & Fraud Protection

At Springs Valley, we understand the importance of security when you are managing your finances.

Fraud & Identity Theft Tips

  • Be aware of phishing eMails. Phishing eMails are when someone is pretending to be a financial institution or other company and “phishing” you to click on a link or open an attachment. Springs Valley will not send eMails of this type, and you should delete them.
  • Do not click on links in eMails, particularly forwarded eMails or eMails you were not expecting. If you are unsure, just delete the eMail – better to be safe than sorry.
  • Do not answer text messages requesting your account information. Springs Valley will not send these texts and you should delete them.
  • Be suspicious of eMail headers including the sender's identity, these can be forged easily.
  • Do not fill out forms in an eMail – these can be difficult or impossible to tell where the information will actually be sent.
  • Watch for spam eMails, especially when offering you something too good to be true! If you need to enter your credit/debit card or bank information to receive your prize, it isn’t a prize. Winning isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

  • Install anti-virus/anti-spyware software. Configure it to update automatically and schedule regular scans of your hard drive.
  • Ensure you have a firewall installed and active to help prevent intrusion on your PC.
  • Keep your operating systems, applications, and internet browsers updated regularly.
  • Patches and updates can be configured to install automatically, or you may do it manually, but the trick is to make sure it is done consistently. This will help to keep your software secure against intrusions.
  • If you have a wireless network, ensure it is set up with industry standard protections.
  • Consider turning off your PC when not needed.

Convenience is the driving factor in the rise of mobile banking. It opens the doors to consumer choice and access to banking options, but, as mobile devices like smartphones and iPads become more popular, hackers are finding savvy ways to steal information. Consumers are urged to be cautious when using mobile devices to do their banking.

It's important to take a commonsense approach to mobile banking. Use caution on your phone just like you would a computer. If you are careful, you can really enjoy mobile banking benefits safely and securely. You should treat a smartphone like a computer that can make phone calls and treat tablets like computers, because that is what they are.

Following a few simple steps can prevent a big headache later. The following tips are considered best practices to protect your information:

  • Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords and social security numbers on your mobile device.
  • Password-protect your mobile device and lock it when you’re not using it.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t type any sensitive information if others around you can see.
  • Log out completely when you complete a mobile banking session.
  • Protect your phone from viruses and malware just like you do for your computer by installing mobile security software.
  • Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
  • Use discretion when downloading apps.
  • If you change your phone number or lose your mobile device, let your financial institution know right away.
  • Monitor your accounts regularly and report suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.

  • Use a dedicated PC for conducting financial transactions and turn it off when not in use. To reduce your risk of exposure to fraud, don't perform other online activities on this PC (do not use to check eMail or access websites).
  • Always protect your Online Banking login credentials, and choose passwords that are difficult to guess, with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Monitor all account activity daily via Business Online Banking.
  • Use dual authorization or out of band authentication for Online Banking transactions.
  • Set computers to time out and automatically lock after a certain amount of time.
  • Reconcile all accounts and statements quickly.
  • Tighten internal controls.
  • Maintain up-to-date anti-virus/anti-spyware software and perform regular scans.
  • Implement a firewall and configure it correctly.
  • Restrict employee access to hardware such as CD burners and USB ports.
  • Implement strict policies for confidential information storage and destruction.
  • Use cross-cut shredders.
  • Invest in employee training.
  • Investigate purchasing insurance to reduce the risk of loss should fraud occur.

Take control of your credit by monitoring your credit score within Springs Valley’s Mobile App or Online Banking!

Springs Valley’s Credit Sense product allows you to receive instant credit score access (this is a free "soft pull" on your credit report and does not affect your score) and improvement tips, receive pre-qualified offers and savings opportunities, access to educational tools, credit monitoring and alerts, and more!

To learn more about Credit Sense and how it works, click here

You can also obtain your annual free credit report at https://www.freecreditreport.com/.

Have Questions?

Whatever your question - no matter how big or how small, no matter how complicated or how easy - we are glad to help you find the answer. If we can't immediately resolve your question, we can direct you to someone who can. We will make every effort to respond to your question or comments within twenty-four hours or the following business day.