- Frequently Asked Questions
- Security & Fraud Prevention
Security & Fraud Prevention
What should I do if I think fraudulent activity has taken place on my account?
Call or text us immediately at 503.239.5336, or stop by your closest branch.
What are signs I've been scammed?
Generally, if it's too good to be true - it probably isn't true. But here are some signs you might be facing a scam:
- You're contacted out of the blue about something you didn't already know about
- You're asked to pay with a non-standard form of payment, like a prepaid gift card or wire transfer
- You're told the situation is an emergency
- You're told to keep the circumstances a secret
- You're being pressured into acting immediately
- You're told something scary - like your loved one is in danger or your computer has been hacked
- You're asked for personal or financial information
- You received a check in the mail you weren't expecting
- You're asked to deposit a check and return some of the funds back
- You're asked to pay money to receive a prize, or to get a job
Remember, fraudsters like to pretend to represent companies you know. They pretend to represent the IRS, the government, and even your credit union. Be especially cautious when you receive communications from places you know that involve situations listed above.
Are free phone chargers safe?
The FBI has issued a warning of the dangers of using free phone charging stations in place like airports, shopping centers and hotels. Free public USB ports can be hijacked and introduce malware or monitoring software on your devices. Instead, the FBI suggests bringing your own cord and USB charger plugged in to an electrical outlet. We also recommend carrying your own portable charger while traveling, just in case there isn't an electric outlet when you need one.
What steps can I take to prevent fraud?
Here are some quick and easy steps you can take to help prevent fraud on your account:
- Create unique usernames for accounts you access online
- Use passphrases instead of passwords, especially for accounts that will grant access to confidential or financial information
- Use different passphrases for each account
- Monitor your accounts regularly to check for unauthorized activity
- Setup alert notifications for higher-value deposits and withdrawals
- Report your debit or credit card immediately if it's been lost or stolen
- Temporarily block your card in digital banking if you've misplaced it
- Make sure we have your current contact information
We also recommend making sure we have a mobile number on file for you. This way, you'll receive real-time fraud alerts via text if there's unfamiliar or suspicious activity on your account.
How do I know if my identity was stolen?
Here are some signs of identity theft:
- You have charges on your accounts you don't recognize
- You get bills for services you’ve never used
- You unexpectedly aren't receiving bills or statements you normally do
- You receive medical bills for doctors you haven't visited
- You find errors on your credit report
- You get notified by the IRS that a tax return has already been filed in your name
- Your loan or credit application got declined, but your credit is typically good
- Your credit score changes unexpectedly
- You get calls from debt collectors about accounts you’ve never opened
Where can I report elder abuse?
Adult Protective Services
National Center on Elder Abuse
Oregon Consumer Fraud
503.239.5576 (Portland Metro)
877.877.9392
Email consumer.hotline@doj.state.or.us (monitored 24/7)
Aging & Disability Services
How do I know if Oregonians is contacting me?
If we call or text you and you weren't expecting our call, know that we'll never ask you for your confidential information. If you'd like to make sure it's us calling you, please hang up and call us back at 503.239.5336.
Oregonians will never call, text, or email you and request any sensitive information, including your Social Security number, member or account numbers, debit or credit card numbers, PIN numbers, 3-digit security codes, or your Online Banking login information.
How do I contact the credit bureaus?
Equifax
800-525-6285 (Fraud Hotline)
800-685-1111 (Order a Credit Report)
Experian
888-397-3742 (Fraud Hotline)
888-397-3742 (Order a Credit Report)
TransUnion
800-680-7289 (Fraud Hotline)
800-916-8800 (Order a Credit Report)
How can I protect myself from identity theft?
Smart habits can help limit your exposure to identity fraudsters. Consider these proactive steps.
Freeze misplaced or lost cards
If you have an Oregonians credit or debit card, you can freeze your card in digital banking. This temporarily blocks your card from being used, and it can easily be unblocked if you locate your missing card. If you don’t find it, you can rest easy that no one else can use it.
Set up fraud text alerts
If we have a mobile number on file for you, you'll automatically receive real-time fraud alerts via text. These alerts put you in the driver’s seat for reviewing suspicious account activity right when it happens.
Passwords, or rather “Passphrases”
Use passphrases instead of passwords, especially for logins that have your confidential or financial information. These are phrases you can easily remember, with some characters switched. For example, “I love Portland Blazers” can be “IluvP0rtl@ndBl@z3rs”.
Change passwords often
Change your passwords frequently and try to use different passphrases for different logins. We know it's a pain. But if someone gets a hold of your password on one website, you don't want this to give them free reign to all of your online accounts.
Choose public Wi-Fi connections carefully
If you must use public Wi-Fi, turn off your “auto-connect to wireless networks” option. Only use https sites and never log in to a network that isn’t password protected.
Enable “find my phone”
With everything saved on phones these days, misplacing one is not our idea of a fun thing to do. Enable lock screens and turn on software that will help you pinpoint your device’s location.
ATM best practices
Fraudsters are always looking for ways to hack card information at ATMs, even ones that are frequently used. When you approach an ATM, always check for exposed wires, bulkiness where you would insert your card, or anything that looks out of place. If it's not easy to insert your card, this is also a red flag. These are possible signs of skimming devices that can lift data from your card.
Keep your PIN safe
Don't write your PIN number down, especially on or near where you keep your card.
Be vigilant on vacation
There's a few easy things you can do before you travel to decrease your chances of fraud happening.
- Let us know when you're traveling.
- Stop your mail at the post office while you're traveling.
- Only travel with the cards and documents you really need, and make copies of the documents you’re bringing, and leave them in a safe place at home.
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