Fraud Prevention & Security Center

Set up alerts within online banking to be delivered to your email or phone for:

• Account Activity Alerts (balances, transactions more than $ amount, check clear, overdrawn, etc.)

• Messaging Alerts (new message, transaction-related message, broadcast message sent to your online inbox).

• Security Alert (successful login, online transfer processed, external transfer transactions, etc.)

Log into online banking or visit the alerts section of the mobile banking app to set up these alerts.

Debit card control allows you to turn your debit card on and off. It's a great security feature should your debit card become lost or stolen until you can report it to your banker.

Log into online banking or visit the card controls to turn your card off and on.

Make sure you review your account history and recent transactions for suspicious activity.

Your account information is at your fingertips through online and mobile banking.

Electronic (paperless) statements do away with the potential of your statement being lost or stolen in the mail. As a result, you may enjoy protection from paper statements winding up in the hands of identity thieves.

Sign up for this service within online banking.

We monitor debit card activity for suspicious transactions and will attempt to contact you if we see something unusual.

Make sure you keep your e-mail, telephone numbers and mailing address up to date to ensure Pilgrim Bank can contact you in case of suspicious activity.

• Configure your device to require a passcode or face recognition to gain access to your device if this feature is supported.

• Avoid storing sensitive information on your device. Mobile devices have an extremely high likelihood of being lost or stolen. You should avoid using them to store sensitive information (e.g. passwords, bank account numbers, etc.). If sensitive data is stored, then encryption should be used to secure it.

• Keep your mobile device’s software up to date by installing the latest updates.  Use the automatic update option if one is available.

• Review the privacy policy and data access of any applications (apps)before installing them.

• Disable features not actively in use such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and infrared. Set Bluetooth-enabled devices to non-discoverable when Bluetooth is enabled.

• Delete all information stored on a device before the device changes ownership. Use a “hard factory reset” to permanently erase all content and settings stored on the device.

• “Sign out” or “Log off” when finished with an app rather than just closing it.

• Never give out online banking credentials. (username and password)

• Never click on suspicious links in emails, tweets, posts, or online advertising, to name a few. Links can take you to a different website than their labels indicate. Typing an address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an email is a safer alternative.

• Only give sensitive information to websites using encryption so your information is protected as it travels across the Internet. Verify the web address begins with “https://” (the “s” is for secure) rather than just “http://”. Some browsers also display a closed padlock.

• Do not trust sites with certificate warnings or errors. These messages could be caused by your connection being intercepted or the web server misrepresenting its identity.

• Avoid using public computers or public wireless access points for online banking and other activities involving sensitive information when possible.

• Always “sign out” or “log off” of password protected websites when finished to prevent unauthorized access. Simply closing the browser window may not actually end your session.

• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts directing you to a website or requesting information.

• Maintain active and up-to-date antivirus protection provided by a reputable vendor. Schedule regular scans of your computer in addition to real-time scanning.

• Update your software frequently to ensure you have the latest security patches. This includes your computer’s operating system and other installed software (e.g. Web Browsers, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java, Microsoft Office, etc.).

• Automate software updates, when the software supports it, to ensure it’s not overlooked.

• If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, discontinue using it for banking, shopping, or other activities involving sensitive information. Use security software and/or professional help to find and remove malware.

• Use firewalls on your local network to add another layer of protection for all the devices that connect through the firewall (e.g. PCs, smart phones, and tablets).

• Require a password to gain access. Log off or lock your computer when not in use.

• Use a cable lock to physically secure laptops, when the device is stored in an untrusted location.

• Create a unique password for all the different systems you use. If you don’t then one breach leaves all your accounts vulnerable.

• Never share your password over the phone, in texts, by email, or in person. If you are asked for your password, it’s probably a scam.

• Use unpredictable passwords with a combination of lowercase letters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters.

• The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use a password with at least 16 characters. Every additional character exponentially strengthens a password. Consider using a passphrase instead of a password as well.

• Avoid using obvious passwords such as:

  • your name

  • your business name

  • family member names

  • your username

  • birthdates

  • dictionary words

• Choose a password you can remember without writing it down. If you do choose to write it down, store it in a secure location.