Our Commitment to You
Security is our top priority and substantial measures are in place at Seacoast Bank to protect your identity and your accounts against theft and personal fraud. From using 128-bit encryption technology to offering identity alerts and card controls and monitoring your accounts, we offer multiple layers of identity and fraud protection.
Our online services require that you authenticate your identity using your User ID along with your password. When you sign in for the first time or with a device we don’t recognize, we’ll ask you for a temporary identification code, which we’ll send you by phone or text message. Once you give us the identification code, we’ll sign you securely into your accounts.
This multi-step process helps us protect your accounts and lets us recognize your device the next time you sign in. For extra security, we might ask you to do this again periodically.
How you can protect yourself
You can protect yourself and your accounts by recognizing threats. Here are a few ways to keep yourself and your information safe:
- Be careful about giving out your User ID and passwords, this includes financial websites that offer tools to help you manager your accounts, invest or prepare your taxes
- Be creative with your passwords, and for added security remember to change regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple sites or financial institutions
- Use the online tools available to you for card controls and alerts
- Check your accounts frequently
- Shield your PIN number whenever you are using it and do not leave your receipts at the ATM, gas pump or other retail establishments
Know the red flags of a scam – The most common types of attempts to gain your information will target you through fake emails (a technique known as phishing), text messages (smishing), voice calls (vishing), letters or even someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly. No matter the technique, you may be:
- Told to purchase gift cards and provide codes as a form of payment
- Threatened with bank accounts being turned off, or even law enforcement action
- Asked to cash a check for a stranger or send money via wire transfer
- Told to make a cash deposit for a sweepstakes
- Offered more than you’re asking for something you’re selling, with a request to send the over payment elsewhere
- Almost all will be a pressure to send money, along with the urgency to do so immediately
Best ways to avoid getting scammed include:
- Not responding – if you’re not absolutely sure, don’t respond, click or answer the phone
- Don’t trust caller ID or answer phone calls from unknown numbers
- Don’t give out your information – if you’re not 100% confident that the person and reason are legitimate, do not share
- Research and validate – if it seems suspicious, make sure it’s legitimate by calling the organization through an official number from their website
What to Do If You're a Victim
Contact Seacoast Bank immediately. Our customer service team will help you through the process and contact your credit card issuers immediately. We will also help close your accounts and create new passwords for any new accounts.
Beyond contacting Seacoast, the following steps are encouraged:
- File a police report with your local police department and obtain a copy
- Check your online accounts such as eBay, Amazon, PayPal, online banking accounts, etc.
- Contact the three major credit bureaus to request a "fraud alert" or a security freeze to be placed on your credit report
- Check with the post office for any unauthorized change of address requests
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Identity Theft Protection
We recommend that you remain vigilant for incidents of fraud or identity theft by reviewing your account statements and free credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You may obtain a copy of your credit report, free of charge, once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. To order your annual free credit report, please visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll free at 1-877-322-8228.
Important Links:
If you believe you are the victim of identity theft or have reason to believe your personal information has been misused, immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Additional information from the FTC about steps you can take to avoid identity theft as well as information about fraud alerts and security freezes can be obtained by calling, toll-free, 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or visiting www.ftc.gov/idtheft. You should also contact your local law enforcement authorities and file a police report. We recommend obtaining a copy of the police report in case you are asked to provide copies to creditors to correct your records.
Cyber Security Tips & Advice
Cyber security continues to be an important topic and protecting your information should be a high priority while navigating the digital world. Seacoast Bank understands the importance, which is why we encourage you to check out the tips and advice from stopthinkconnect.org.
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