You are the best line of defense to protect your personal information and identity. Washington Trust Bank works diligently to guard you against fraud and identity theft, but your own efforts are the most important to minimize your risk. Here are some easy steps to help safeguard your most valuable assets:

• Purchase a paper shredder and permanently destroy all documents that contain account numbers and/or your social security number.
  
• Protect your mail. Use OnLine Bill Payment, it's FREE, simple and can help reduce the risk of mail fraud. If you use regular mail service, send bill payments from a US Postal Service mailbox or the post office rather than from your home mailbox.
  
• Never give your checking account, credit card or Social Security number to unknown callers or during telephone sales solicitations.
  
• Never give out your ATM, Check Card, or credit card PIN (Personal Identification Number). Washington Trust Bank will never ask for your PIN or passwords.
  
• Never write your PIN or password on your ATM card, Check Card, or credit card. Memorize your PIN and passwords.
  
• Report lost or stolen checks, ATM cards, credit cards or Check Cards as soon as you discover they are missing.
  
• Protect your ATM, Check Card, and credit card receipts. Some receipts may bear the account number.
  
• Do not share your login access codes for financial services with third party providers.
  
• Be cautious when using an ATM. A thief may be watching you enter your PIN number.
  
• Review your bank statements promptly and report any discrepancies or suspect transactions immediately.
  
• Use OnLine Banking. Reviewing your account regularly allows you to detect discrepancies faster and OnLine Banking makes it simple and easy to do.
  
• Store your extra checks and deposit slips in a secure locked location and properly destroy canceled checks. Never leave your checkbook in your vehicle.
  
• Protect your checkbook and bank documents (including statements and canceled checks) so they aren't accessible to guests, contractors, repairmen, or other friends and family members.
  
• When you close out a bank account, be certain to destroy/shred your excess supply of checks and deposit slips.
  
• If your home is burglarized, check your supply of checks to determine if any have been stolen. Look closely, since thieves will sometimes take only one or two checks from the middle or back of the book, so it's harder to determine that they are missing.
  
• Purchase your checks and deposit slips from our approved check vendor to ensure quality of your check stock and the integrity of your account documents.
  
• Review your credit report at least twice a year and immediately correct any mistakes in writing.