MoneyPass iPhone Application is Now Available!
At 1st Security Bank, we want to make your banking easier. Our partnership with the MoneyPass network is all about convenience and it just got a little more convenient. 1st Security debit and ATM card holders can now find surcharge-free ATMs while they’re out and about. The new MoneyPass ATM Locator app for the Apple iPhone can be used anywhere to find the nearest MoneyPass ATM.
Visit the iPhone App Store and download the free MoneyPass ATM Locator. The app provides the same user-friendly search capabilities as the online locator and is easy to use. Cardholders can even locate ATMs from their exact current location. ATM information can be sent to an email address and directions to the ATM can be mapped.
If you have any questions about the locator or don’t have an iPhone but still want to find the nearest ATM, visit the MoneyPass network at www.moneypass.com.
TurboTax is Now Available to 1st Security Bank Customers – 15% Discount!
TurboTax is now available to 1st Security Bank customers via Online Banking! Receive a 15% discount when you file!
Log in to Online Banking to start today!
Not yet an Online Banking user? Call us today to get set up right away.
Branch Network Changes at 1st Security Bank
1st Security Bank of Washington, headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, announced on December 18, 2009 that it is streamlining its branch network to improve the efficiency of business operations. Once complete, this will allow 1st Security Bank to more closely align with both individual and business customers, as well as provide an increased level of customer service. This streamlining process is a two-part approach - one phase focusing on branch renovations, and another phase focusing on branch consolidations.
The Puyallup branch in downtown Puyallup will be replaced with a new 2,500 square foot facility, constructed at the same location. Construction is slated to be complete by mid-2010. In addition, the Lynnwood branch will undergo extensive renovations, with a target completion date of early 2010.
The other phase of the streamlining process will include the consolidation of existing branches. The downtown Seattle branch, located at 119 Cedar Street, and the Everett branch, located at 11102 Evergreen Way, will consolidate into the existing 1st Security Bank branch in Lynnwood. “These changes to our branch network reflect a continuation of our strategic business plan that has been in place for several years now,” said Joe Adams, Chief Executive Officer of 1st Security Bank. “We’re in a fortuitous operating position and these adjustments allow us to continue to provide exceptional service to our customer base.” Mr. Adams went on to say, “The closing of a branch is never an easy decision to make and we’ll ensure minimal disruption to our customers and those employees affected by these changes.“
The Seattle branch will close March 19, 2010 and the Everett Branch will close March 26, 2010. During the streamlining and construction process, 1st Security Bank does not anticipate any disruption of service to its customers. Customers with questions may contact their branch of account, or obtain their branch’s contact information at www.fsbwa.com.
Headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, 1st Security Bank is a well-capitalized institution serving individuals and businesses since 1936. 1st Security Bank has 84 employees and eight branches throughout the greater Puget Sound area. For more information please contact Brad Canfield at 425-697-8053.
Seattle Branch has a New Mailing Address
Please make note of the Seattle branch’s new mailing address:
1st Security Bank
119 Cedar Street
Seattle, WA 98121
We ask that you no longer mail anything to the previous PO Box address.
Thank you!
Plan on Leaving the U.S.?
We’re serious about doing all we can to protect you from debit card fraud.
To further protect you from debit card theft, the following change is effective August 15, 2009:
All debit card transactions performed outside of the U.S. and Canada will be blocked unless you have notified us in advance of your travel plans.
Before you travel outside of the U.S or Canada, please call your branch of account to let us know your travel plans (such as the countries you’ll be visiting and the dates of your visit). When you do this, we’ll then be able to make sure you’re able to continue to use your card without any problems.
It’s just one of the ways we’re working to help ensure your safety.
Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program
1st Security Bank is participating in the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. Under this program, through June 30, 2010, all non-interest-bearing transaction accounts are fully guaranteed by the FDIC for the entire amount in the account. Coverage under this program is in addition to and separate from the coverage available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules.
1st Security Bank is excited to announce our newest banking package – eBanking Express
It’s finally arrived. An account that gives you the convenience and benefits you want and gets rid of the things you don’t – less than satisfying deposit rates, wasted paper, and wasted minutes on trips to the bank.
eBanking Express is an account that gives you the freedom to control your finances from the comfort of your home or office. Okay you say – what makes this account any different that just a checking account with online banking?
With eBanking Express you won’t need our assistance as often, so we set ourselves apart by passing the savings on to you. Not only are we giving you exclusive access to use our enhanced online banking system, we’re also giving you a fantastic rate on your checking account, loan discounts, free checks and wires, and much more! Plus, you’re helping the environment – and we think that’s pretty cool, too.
The requirements are minimal and easy, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
Canyon Park Branch Now has Safe Deposit Boxes!
1st Security Bank’s Canyon Park branch in Bothell now offers the safety and security of Safe Deposit Boxes to our customers!
Your valuable items should be stored in a safe, secure place. Legal documents (such as a will, deed or title), fine jewelry, CDs and stock certificates – anything that would be difficult or impossible to replace – can be protected at your Canyon Park 1st Security branch. Safe deposit boxes are available at our Poulsbo and Port Angeles locations as well. We have a variety of sizes to give you an affordable solution to your security needs.
Call or visit us today to find out more!
Please note: Items stored in your safe deposit box are not insured by FDIC Insurance. A safe deposit box is strictly a storage space provided by the Bank.
Would you fall for this?
Financial scams are nothing new, although their proliferation has been made exponentially easier with email. As a financial institution, we’re very concerned about the number of scam letters and emails out there today. Although not our job, we’ve managed to help a number of people avoid being bilked out of thousands of dollars because they intended to participate in the offers. Let’s take a few minutes to share the basics of how most prevalent scams work so you can avoid becoming their next victim.
- Lottery scam letters. You receive a letter saying you’ve won some large amount of money. This supposed lottery organization (often in Canada) encloses a large check, and instructs you to call to get the verification code. The catch is that before you can cash the check, you must first wire a large sum of money (some percentage of the lottery “prize”) to them to “cover the taxes”. What’s going on? The checks look like legitimate business checks but the drawer name bears no relationship to a lottery organization. These are stolen or counterfeit checks bearing name and account number of a legitimate company, but the checks have been fraudulently produced by criminals. The check is not worth the paper it’s printed on so you’ll get nothing out of it. But, if you comply with their instructions, you will have wired them a large sum of your hard-earned money, only to never see your cash again.
- Money order/cashier’s check scam. With this scam you actually receive money orders or cashier’s checks in the mail with a letter from a company (often a foreign company) asking you for your assistance. They claim they don’t have a bank account and need your help by cashing either the money orders or cashiers check. They ask you to cash the items and wire them 90% of the money back, keeping 10% for your fee. Anyone who falls for this will find that the money orders or cashier’s checks are fraudulent so, if cashed, they would be charged back against your bank account, and meanwhile you would have wired them a large sum of YOUR money.
- “Nigerian” scam. You receive a letter or email politely soliciting your help. They request your help in moving large sums of money out of their country. They promise you, for example, a 10% fee for your assistance, but they also request that you send your bank account number and some money to cover the transaction and transfer costs and attorney’s fees. Again, if you send them money you’ll be the big loser as you’ll never hear from them again. Nigerian scams are some of the biggest money scams in the last 10 years. The scam artists send out over 10,000 emails a day and feel good with a 1% response. These are complicated, layered organizations that move on quickly so according to law enforcement, they’re impossible to track down.
- Jury duty scam. This time you receive a telephone call from someone identifying himself as with the court system. They indicate that you’ve been chosen for jury duty, and they just need to confirm your name, social security number, date of birth and credit card number. If you refuse, they threaten you with fines. Obviously, no one from the judicial system would a) call you by phone to inform you of jury duty, and b) need your credit card information. It’s a hoax. Hang up!
-
“Phishing” scams. Phishing is an Internet scam in the form of an email or pop-up box. The emails and pop-ups link to sites that look like businesses and ask you to provide or confirm personal, financial, or password information. Beware of these lures to get you to reply:
- Threatening to close your account unless you provide personal information immediately.
- Claiming to need updated personal information on your account. 1st Security Bank and other legitimate companies will NOT ask for this information via email.
- Offering a service that can only be provided with your personal information.
-
Additional points to keep in mind:
- Be wary of clicking on links in email messages.
- Always type addresses directly into your browser or use personal bookmarks.
- Don’t email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information.
- Report suspicious activity to the FTC. If you get spam “phishing” for information, forward it to spam@uce.gov.
- Always ensure you are using a secure Web site when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser. To make sure you’re on a secure Web server, check the beginning of the Web address in your browser’s address bar — it should be “https://” (notice the “s”) rather than just “http://”
In conclusion, you’ve worked hard to earn what you have. Don’t believe offers such as these “effortless income” scams. The thought of easy money might be appealing, but success generally requires hard work. When you receive a solicitation such as this, don’t give it an ounce of thought. And please, NEVER give your bank account number, debit card number or credit card number to someone who calls you. Again, just hang up. You’ll be glad you saved yourself the pain and heartache of losing thousands of dollars to a crook.