Online banking is convenient, but it also needs to be safe. At Alaska USA, the security of your money and your personal information are among our top priorities. We take this responsibility seriously and work hard to make online banking as safe as possible.
We use several layers of internet security to keep your money safe and your personal information private. But we need your help to keep them safe and secure. We can do that by working together.
First, it’s important to understand what’s at stake.
If you think your personal information or accounts with Alaska USA have been compromised, call our Member Service Center immediately at 907-563-4567 or 800-525-9094. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is Personal Information?
Personal information is any data that can be used to uniquely identify you. Examples are your full name, Social Security number, bank account numbers, and passport or driver’s license numbers. It can also include your email or mailing address, home or cell phone numbers, and more.
When someone steals your personal information to commit fraud, it’s called identity theft. They can use your information to drain your bank accounts, open fake credit card accounts, or take out loans in your name—piling up debt and ruining your credit.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep that from happening.
Things We Do to Keep Your Personal Information and Money Safe Through Online Banking
- The online banking tools on the Alaska USA website and app are protected through encryption, authentication, firewalls, and other internet security tools to keep hackers out.
- We use sophisticated fraud-monitoring tools to review your debit and credit card transactions. These allow us to detect unusual spending patterns and help prevent fraud.
- We can send alerts to let you know when your account has been accessed; we can also provide balance notifications to help you keep track of your transactions.
- We have transaction limits; there is a daily withdrawal limit of $500 per ATM card, which limits the amount someone can steal from your account.
- We also give you an easy way to turn off debit or credit cards which become lost or stolen.
Things We Won’t Do
- Alaska USA will never call, text, or send an email asking for your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or online banking password.
- We will never ask you to click on a text or email link to do a ‘test’ transaction.
- We will never send someone to your home to collect a bank card or cash.
- We will never ask you to transfer money to a new ‘safe’ account.
- We won’t provide services through any mobile apps other than our own.
Did You Know…Fact or Scam?
While the old saying, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” still fits, sometimes you want to make sure. Many people check things out on Fraud, Snopes, or on Truth or Fiction. But the best way to verify something? Pick up the phone and call to ask, using a phone number you look up yourself, not the phone number the potential scammer sends you.
Things You Can Do to Keep Your Personal Information and Money Safe When Online Banking
- Monitor your accounts regularly to make sure transactions match your actual activities.
- Make sure we know how to reach you by phone, text, or email if we see suspicious activity.
- Shred statements and old documents that contain personal information.
- Use strong anti-virus/spyware software, and make sure your phone’s operating system is updated regularly.
- Submit a travel notification to let us know if your spending patterns will suddenly change.
Things You Shouldn’t Do When Online Banking
- Do not respond directly to calls, emails, or text messages asking for your personal information.
- Never click on links or attachments from unknown or unverified sources.
- Don’t use the same password for all online accounts and make sure you change them regularly; some people use an online password manager.
- Never use your Social Security number for any form of password.
- Don’t carry your PIN or passwords with you, and never write them on your ATM card.
Did You Know?
Mobile carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer a service for consumers who receive texts that may involve scams. If you receive a fraudulent text, copy and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). Consider blocking the sender’s number as well.
Working Together
We know our customers value the convenience of online banking, so we’ll do all we can to keep your money and your personal information safe. But you play an important role in this also, so we need your help. Working together, we can keep online banking safe.