At Home Bank of California, our priority is protecting and safeguarding your personal and account information.

Here you will find information to help you understand identity theft and how to protect yourself and your accounts.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft happens when a criminal obtains your personal information to steal money from your accounts, open new credit cards, apply for loans, obtain services, and commit other crimes — all using your identity. These acts can damage your credit, leave you with unwanted bills and cause you countless hours and frustration to clear your good name.

How Home Bank of California helps protect your information and accounts.

• We use responsible information collection, processing, and storage of your personal and financial information.
• We protect against threats with strictly monitored cybersecurity processes and systems.
• We continuously monitor transactions for suspicious activity.
• We proactive alert you to potential fraud through secure channels, such as online, mobile, email or phone.

How you can protect yourself against identity theft.

• Use our Mobile Banking app to stay on top of any suspicious account activity.
• Check your contact information periodically (online, mobile, statements) and update any outdated contact information immediately so we can contact you as soon as we identify any suspicious or fraudulent activity on your accounts.
• Create strong, unique passwords.
  • Strong passwords are at least 8 characters in length and comprised of numbers, symbols, and upper & lowercase letters.
  • Use multifactor authentication when possible.
  • Change passwords regularly.
• Protect your devices (phones, tablets, and computers) up to date with the latest browser, operating systems and antivirus software.
• Keep your account information secure by:
  • Going paperless with your statements (eStatements)
  • Never write your PIN on the back of your cards
  • Use online payment methods (such as Online Bill Pay)
• Beware of scammers that are using fake email (a technique known as phishing) or text messages (SMSishing or smishing) or voice calls (vishing) to trick you into giving them your personal information. Get all the details and what to do if you suspect phishing by visiting Consumer FTC – How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams. For more information about smishing visit FCC – Avoid the Temptation of Smishing Scams. 
• Shred any documents with personal and financial information before disposing of it.
• Review each of your three credit reports at least once a year. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free reports.
• Keep yourself informed with AARP Fraud Watch Network.

What to do if you are a victim of Identity Theft.

• Contact Home Bank of California at (858) 270-5881 to review account activity and close any impacted accounts. Your banker will be able to guide you through filing any claims for account fraud.
• Update all associated PINS and passwords for those accounts.
• If your checks were stolen or misused, also alert major check verification companies:
  • TeleCheck: 1-800-710-9898
  • Certegy: 1-800-437-5120
• Utilize the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft resource center or call 1-877-ID-THEFT.
• Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus:
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
• Here are some other helpful numbers:
  • Social Security Number Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271
  • Social Security Department: 1-800-772-1213
  • Lost or Stolen Passports: 1-877-487-2778