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Privacy Policy>Avoid ID Theft

At Sterling Savings Bank, your security is our top priority. To help protect your identity from being stolen, we’ve provided these tips:

• Keep blank checks in a safe place.
• Have Social Security, pension and pay checks directly deposited into your bank account whenever possible.
• Use Online Banking and Bill Pay to ensure secure access to your accounts.
• Don't give out your account information or Social Security Number if you ever feel uncomfortable doing so and especially if you receive an unsolicited request.
• Carry only essential ID and debit/credit cards in your wallet or purse. Leave your SSN and birth certificate in a safe place rather than carrying it with you.
• Check the accuracy of your credit report annually and your credit card/bank statements monthly. Review them carefully for unauthorized transactions.
• Be creative with access and personal ID (PIN) codes. If they’re easy for you to remember, they’re probably easy for others to figure out.
• Shred all sensitive financial or personal information before discarding, including: unused pre-approved credit offers; ATM and charge receipts; and bank, credit, and other billing statements.
• Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer and keep them updated on a regular basis.
• Pay for online purchases with a credit card instead of a debit card, and only use secure sites beginning with “https.”
• Suspect ID Theft if you begin to have unexplained problems with your credit or if there is a disruption in the delivery of routine financial statements.