What to Do If You Suspect Your Account Is Compromised

There’s a sinking feeling you get down in your gut when you notice a large, unfamiliar charge to your account. You start scrambling for your debit card, checking in with your spouse or other card users, and reviewing all your history. It can be a bit frightening, and you may be unsure of what to do. 

There are lots of ways an account could be compromised. Your actual account may be compromised or just your card may be compromised. There are different consequences for each. Either way, if you notice an unauthorized transaction or suspect your account is compromised, follow these general steps:

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately: Reach out to Southside Bank's customer service and fraud department for guidance as soon as possible by calling 877.639.3511. 

2. Disconnect from Fraudulent Access: If you have allowed someone to access your computer remotely, power down your computer.

3. Protect Your Debit Card: Call us immediately to prevent further unauthorized transactions. You can also take advantage of our card control app, which gives you the ability to turn your debit card on or off. 

4. Change Passwords from a Non-Compromised Device: Change your online banking password, email, and any other access credentials from a non-compromised device to enhance security. Remember to set up your new password with at least eight characters in length and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. 

5. Review Recent Transactions: Review your transactions in the app or online to identify any unauthorized or suspicious activity. For debit cards, you can also view clearer spending patterns on our card control app. Report any discrepancies to your bank.

6. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your accounts for any unusual activity even after reporting the issue. Set up account alerts in the mobile app for added security.

7. Update Contact Information: Ensure that your contact information with the bank is up-to-date so they can reach you promptly for any guidance.

8. Consider Identity Theft Protection: Depending on the severity, consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service to monitor your personal information.

At Southside Bank, the safety of your account is one of our highest priorities. Our fraud prevention team works hard to make sure your assets are safe and sound. If you suspect account compromise, reach out to us immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.