In today’s environment, access to a bank account without permission is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. You can never be too careful when it comes to the security of your accounts. Here are a few tips to secure your account on a daily basis:

1. Never give out your PIN number, passwords, account numbers, or social. The more protected this information remains, the less likely you will experience fraud. 
    
2. Check your account daily for fraudulent transactions. This is very important as it is simplest way to identify if you've been a victim of fraud. We provide access to mobile banking and online banking that makes it easy to check your accounts daily. 
   
   If you suspect any suspicious activity of any kind, call us immediately at 864-638-5444. If after hours, call the number on the back of your debit card and have them block your card. That number is 1-800-383-8000.
    
3. Download the Shazam Bolt$ app. Shazam is Blue Ridge Bank's debit card processor. All Blue Ridge Bank debit card holders have access to this app. You can receive notifications of potential fraudulent activity, and temporarily block your card.
    
4. Check for skimming devices at gas stations and ATMs. Potential indicators can include sticky residue or evidence of an adhesive used by criminals to affix the device, loose or extra attachments on the card slot, or noticeable resistance when pressing the keypad.
    
5. If possible, never let anyone take your card out of sight. This includes at a restaurant or store.  The ATM is not the only place scammers steal your information. Skimming devices can easily be used anywhere.
    
6. Know who you're speaking with on the phone. We will never call requesting your account information such as PINs, passwords, or account numbers. If you have any doubts, please hang up and call us back directly at 864-638-5444. 
    
7. Shred old account information and checks. Only throwing away these documents will not suffice. They need to be destroyed beyond recognition. We host a Shred Day the last Friday in April at our Seneca Office.
    
8. Do not use public free wi-fi to access your account. The wi-fi provided in public areas may have an unsecure connection. You don't want to make it easy for a hacker to obtain your information by accessing your account through a public wi-fi connection.