Identity Fraud Protection
Identity Fraud Protection
What can I do to keep my accounts secure?
- Strong Password—The key to a strong password is to be memorable, but hard to guess. Northwest Bank recommends account passwords to be at least eight characters long, as well as include one or more capitalized letters, numbers, and special characters such as &*^%$#@!. Avoid creating account passwords that are common phrases like “password” or general knowledge like your name.
- Don’t Share—Account information is private and should not be shared with others who are not joint on the account. Northwest Bank recommends to not share any account information with others or to keep account information in public view, such as your desk or on your car seat.
- Avoid scammers—Verify who you are speaking with before providing account or payment information. Never provide account information over the phone or email, especially to someone you do not know. Northwest Bank will never ask for a customer’s PIN or password.
- Key Tip—Always keep receipts of account and payment transactions in a secure place. This way you will always have a record of your account activity.
- To Learn More—Click here to find out more recommendations and safety tips by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency.
Where can I learn more about preventing identity fraud online?
Northwest Bank takes every safeguard to protect your account information and is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Northwest Bank also offers complimentary services to its debit card holders to protect against identity theft called SHAZAM BOLT$. To find learn more about SHAZAM BOLT$ click here.
Click here to review the FTC’s recommended actions when your identity is stolen.
How can I monitor my account to prevent identity theft?
Northwest Bank recommends account holders be alert for the following identity theft warning signs:
- Unauthorized charges to your debit or credit card
- Missing mailed statements from Northwest Bank
- Denied debit card or credit card transactions, indicating lack of funds available
- Fraudulent emails to access or provide your account information
- To view the latest types of scams reported by the FTC, click here.
Northwest Bank recommends these safeguards to protect your identity:
- Sign up for Northwest Bank e-alerts to notify you when a debit or credit card transaction has occurred, which may also notify you when the card was not present at the time of the transaction
- Sign up for e-statements, rather than mailed statements to avoid it getting lost and potentially compromising your private information
- Review all statement transactions and verify all charges were authorized by the cardholder
- Be cautious for any suspicious activity or emails you receive. You may always call Northwest Bank to speak with a friendly member of our staff to verify all account transactions.
How do I report identity theft on my account?
Debit Card
- If your debit card is blocked by SHAZAM BOLT$ and Northwest Bank is closed, contact SHAZAM BOLT$ directly at 866-508-2693 (Tip: Save this number in your phone for future reference)
- If your debit card is lost or stolen, contact SHAZAM BOLT$ toll free at 800-383-8000 or 515-558-7608. The SHAZAM BOLT$ app also allows Northwest Bank customers to freeze their debit card instantly if it is lost or stolen, as well as the ability to un-freeze the debit card when it is found.
- To find out more information about SHAZAM BOLT$ debit card security click here.
Credit Card
- If your credit card is lost or stolen, contact the credit card company’s customer assistance phone number. When you open a credit card, it is recommended to save the customer assistance phone number listed on the back of your credit card for future reference.
Northwest Bank Checking or Savings Account
- If suspicious activity has occurred on your Northwest Bank checking or savings account, contact Northwest Bank directly at 815-987-4550 or fill out our e-contact form on our Contact Us page. Northwest Bank customers should be aware that electronic emails are not secure and they should not include personal or confidential information when contacting Northwest Bank by email.
To find out more information on identity fraud protection, click here to visit the FTC’s website.