Data Security News and Tips
Help Keep Your Identity & Financial Information Secure
Data breaches are becoming increasingly common across different industries. Unfortunately, they can lead to identity theft and other types of fraud which can take significant effort to address. If you are a victim of a data breach, taking these steps
now can help you identify and resolve issues quickly.
- Check your credit report
- Contact the major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert in your name, so you will be alerted if someone tries to open an account in your name.
- Check your credit report for suspicious activity like new accounts, loans or credit cards opened in your name.
- Customers can check their credit score on our online banking or mobile app by signing up for SavvyMoney, offered at no cost to all First Fed customers.
- A free report is available once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com.
- How to secure your First Fed bank account
- Change your First Fed online banking password and security questions. Two-factor authentication also adds an extra layer of security to your online account.
- If you aren’t already enrolled in First Fed’s free online banking services, you can sign up today to reduce paper statements sent to you in the mail. You can sign up securely by visiting www. ourfirstfed.com
- Online banking users can set up alerts that notify you when transactions take place or if account balances drop.
- In online banking, navigate to “Alerts and Notifications.”
- Then click the “Add an alert” button. You will receive multiple options for alerts such as large withdrawal, low balance, and loan payment due.
- Mobile app users can set up alerts to receive notifications on their mobile device.
- In the mobile app, click on the Settings icon in top right corner.
- Select “Push notifications” from the Settings menu.
- Turn on any alert options including low balance, large withdrawal, or balance update.
- Lock your debit card with card control, if lose your card or see suspicious activity.
- In your online or mobile app, select "Card Control Settings."
- Then select "Set declines and alerts" to freeze your card or set declines for certain types of payments.
- You can unfreeze your card if you find it again.
- Report any suspicious or fraudulent activity.
- If you notice unauthorized activity on your First Fed account, contact us immediately at 1-800-800-1577.
- All customers are eligible for personal identity theft aid through Bazing, which will cover expenses to restore your identity up to $1,000. This benefit is available to all First Fed customers through the end of 2021. View benefit details.
- Customers with Cascade and Northwest Checking accounts always have the Identity Theft Aid benefit, covering up to $2,500 reimbursement for services to restore identity.
If you need in-depth services, we are happy to help. Visit any of our branch locations, contact us at [email protected] or call us 1-800-800-1577.
For other concerns related to identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission has more information and guidance on what to do at this website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/identity-theft
Monitor Your Credit Score For Free
First Federal customers can get detailed analysis, access to complete credit reports, and sign up for additional credit monitoring and alerts - at no cost!
Phishing Scam Alert
April 2022: Customers have reported that scammers are pretending to be First Fed "Fraud Prevention" and asking for personal data. Please note that First Fed will NEVER contact you and ask for your username and password. If you receive such a call, text, or email, please report it. Thank you.
WA Unemployment Data Breach
Feb 1, 2021: The Accellion data security breach impacted about 1.6 million people who filed for unemployment claims from Jan 1 to Dec 10, 2020. Learn more from the Office of the Washington State Auditor (SAO).
Sign In To Online Banking Now
Access your accounts easily in Online Banking to check current balances, set up alerts, sign up for free credit monitoring tools or estatements, and more.