Crest Savings Bank

• What is Crest Savings Bank’s routing number?
  The routing number is 231271501.
• How do I set up direct deposit of my payroll check?
  After your Crest Savings Bank account is opened, you will need to supply the bank’s routing number and your account number, to your employer.
• How do I set up direct deposit of my Social Security check?
  After your Crest Savings Bank account has been opened, please supply the appropriate agency with your new account number and routing number.
• Can I get information about my account by phone?
  Yes, call (888) 893-9984 to access your account information seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.
• How do I enroll in Online Banking?
  After your Crest Savings Bank checking account has been opened, simply click on the word Enroll, as a first time user you will be asked to register.
• How would I go about cancelling my account?
  We hope you stay with us, but, just in case, we make it very simple to cancel your Crest Savings Bank account. Please visit our contact page for information on how to contact us.
• Is interest paid on Crest Savings Bank checking accounts?
  Yes! We have a variety of interest bearing checking accounts.
• Can I do all of my banking with Crest Savings Bank?
  Yes! Thanks to the convenience of Direct Deposit, Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Mobile Deposit, Bill Payment and Debit cards, everyday banking activities can be performed from the comfort of home. Contact us with questions about your banking needs.
• Can I look at all of my transactions at any time?
  Yes! With Online Banking, Mobile Banking and PhoneLink, you have access to your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
• Are wire transfers possible to and from my Crest Savings Bank checking account?
  Yes! Funds can be transferred to and from Crest Savings Bank accounts by wire transfer or via ACH (Automated Clearing House) debits or credits. Call our customer service department at (609) 522-5115 for details.
• How do I make a deposit to my account from a remote location?
  You can do most of your banking by using direct deposit, Crest Savings Bank’s Deposit ATMs, Mobile Deposit or ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions. Crest Savings Bank also offers a bank-by-mail service which allows you to mail non-recurring deposits. Contact us for details on a method that’s best for you.

• What is digital wallet?
  Digital wallet is the process of replacing a card’s primary account number (PAN)—the 16-digit number on the plastic card—with a unique alternate card number, or “token.” Tokens can be used for mobile point-of-sale transactions, in-app purchases or online purchases.
• What are the benefits of digital wallet?
  Digital wallet reduces fraud related to digital payments by making transactions more secure by including a dynamic component with each transaction. It takes the security of a physical EMV chip and applies it to non-card environments including proximity, mobile and internet payments. Merchants benefit from more secure transactions, as well as faster checkout experiences, new payment acceptance options and more ways to sell.
• What is Mastercard’s role in the launch of digital wallets?
  The new digital wallets connect into Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES), so participating issuers can enable secure mobile payments on millions of devices.
• What do these new digital payments mean for me?
  For consumers and merchants alike, every purchase made with a tokenized Mastercard debit, credit, prepaid or small business card using Apple PayTM, Google PayTM or Samsung PayTM in the United States offers the enhanced security and benefits of a digital Mastercard transaction including secure digital wallet technology.
• If I replace my device what effect will it have on my digital wallet?
  If you replace your device, you may need to re-add your card to your digital wallet. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has ended sales of paper Series EE and I savings bonds through over-the-counter channels (e.g., financial institutions and mail-in orders). Savings bonds will remain available for purchase as electronic issues in TreasuryDirect.

Visit TreasuryDirect

• What is TreasuryDirect?
  TreasuryDirect is a secure Web-based system that allows investors to establish accounts to purchase, hold and manage Treasury securities online. Investors can purchase Series EE and I savings bonds, Treasury bills, notes, bonds and TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) through TreasuryDirect.
• What happens to the previously issued paper bonds?
  They are valid issues of the U.S. Treasury and will earn interest for 30 years or until redeemed. Paper bonds can be converted to electronic savings bonds in TreasuryDirect. There’s no charge to convert paper bonds. They won’t lose any of the interest earned, and they retain their original issue dates and interest rate terms.
• What about people who’ve been buying paper bonds to pay future college expenses?
  Paper savings bonds will no longer be available; however, the same education tax exclusion rules apply to electronic savings bonds in TreasuryDirect.
• What about customers who like to give savings bonds as gifts?
  TreasuryDirect has a gift feature so customers can buy electronic savings bonds as gifts. The recipient of the gift must have a TreasuryDirect account (or be named on a minor linked account if under 18 years old) to receive the gift. Customers can hold bonds in their Gift Box area in TreasuryDirect until the bonds are electronically delivered.
• How can I get more information about TreasuryDirect?
  For more information, visit www.treasurydirect.gov.

Never click a link from a text

• A text alert from us warning of suspicious activity on your card will NEVER include a link to be clicked. Never click on a link in a text message that is supposedly from us. A valid notification will provide information about the suspect transaction and ask the cardholder to reply to the text message with answers such as ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘help’, or ‘stop’. It will never include a link.

Don’t disclose personal information

• A phone call from our institution’s automated dialer will only include a request for your zip code, and no other personal information, unless you confirm that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then will you be transferred to an agent who will ask questions to confirm that you are the actual cardholder before going through your transactions with you. If at any point you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly. If a call is received by the cardholder, claiming to be our call center and asking to verify transactions, no information should have to be provided by the cardholder other than their zip code, and a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the transaction provided.

Never give out your PIN or CV2

• We will NEVER ask you for your PIN or the 3-digit security code on the back of your card. Don’t give them out to anyone, no matter what they say. Hang up and call us directly. Fraudsters will often ask cardholders to verify fake transactions. When the cardholder says no, they did not perform those transactions, the fraudster then says that their card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need the card’s PIN to put it on the new card. Many people believe this and provide their PIN. The 3-digit CV2 code on the back of the card will allow a fraudster to conduct card-not-present transactions.

Verify the sender’s identity

• A test alert from us will always be from a 5-digit number and NOT a 10-digit number resembling a phone number.

Check your account often

• Regularly check your account online to see if there are any suspicious transactions that have occurred, but especially if you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received. If anything looks amiss, call us directly for assistance.

Call us directly for assistance

• If you have received a voice or a text-message from us and are unsure about responding to it, call us directly at 609.522.5115 for assistance.

• Your financial institution will never call you to request information you received via text (SMS)
• Don’t provide your account number or personal information by email or text
• Don’t trust caller ID; Caller ID may be modified to show your financial institution’s name
• Don’t feel pressured to provide information immediately in response to requests via text, email or phone. Using their published phone number, reach out to your financial institution to confirm that the request is legitimate.
• Don’t give information over the phone if you receive a call stating that a transaction is canceled, even if the caller claims to be from your financial institution. Once again, contact your financial institution using a published phone number to inquire about the transaction
• Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or texts
• Don’t give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer

Take these steps to protect your financial identity:

• Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure they are accurate. You can call each of the three national credit-reporting agencies because each may contain different aspects of your credit history, or you can contact the Annual Credit Report Service for one free credit report each year. If you have been denied credit in the past 60 days, the credit-reporting agency that sent the report to your prospective creditor must provide you with a copy of the report for free. However, it will not be sent automatically so you have to request a copy from the credit-reporting agency.
  • AnnualCreditReport.com (877) 322-8228 or annualcreditreport.com
  • Equifax (800) 685-1111 or equifax.com
  • Experian (888) 397-3742 or experian.com
  • TransUnion (800) 916-8800 or transunion.com
• Keep an eye on your accounts throughout the year by reading your monthly/periodic statements thoroughly. That’s an easy way for you to be sure that all of the activity in your accounts was initiated by you.
• Tear up or shred pre-approved credit offers, receipts and other personal information that link your name to account numbers. Don’t leave your ATM or credit card receipt in public trash cans. Crooks (a.k.a dumpster divers) are known to go through trash to get account numbers and other items that will give them just enough information to get credit in your name.
• If your credit card or other bills are more than two weeks late, you should do three things:
  • First, contact the Postal Service to see if someone has forwarded your mail to another address.
  • Second, contact your bank to ask if the statement or card has been mailed.
  • Third, contact the businesses that send you bills.
• When you pay bills, don’t put them in your mailbox with the red flag up. That’s a flashing neon light telling crooks to grab your information. Use a locked mailbox or the post office.
• Protect your account information. Don’t write your personal identification number (PIN) on your ATM or debit card. Don’t write your social security number or credit card account number on a check. Cover your hand when you are entering your PIN number at an ATM.
• Don’t carry your Social Security card, passport or birth certificate unless you need it that day. Take all but one or two credit cards out of your wallet and keep a list at home of your account information and customer service telephone numbers. That way, if your wallet is lost or stolen, you’ll only have to notify a few of your creditors and the information will be handy.
• Never provide personal or credit card information over the phone, unless you initiated the call. Crooks are known to call with news that you’ve won a prize and all they need is your credit card number for verification. Don’t fall for it. Remember the old saying, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Financial fraud is a crime; call your local police department.

• Contact the fraud units of all three credit bureaus. Ask them to “flag” your account, which tells creditors that you are a victim of identity fraud. Also, add a victim’s statement to each of your credit bureau reports that asks creditors to contact you in person to verify all applications made in your name. Call the fraud units of the credit bureaus at:
  • TransUnion Fraud Assistance Department (800) 680-7289
  • Equifax Fraud Assistance Department (800) 525-6285
  • Experian Fraud Assistance Department (888) 397-3742
• Call the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft hotline at 1 (877) IDTHEFT. The hotline is staffed by counselors trained to help ID theft victims. Check out the FTC Web Site, which includes an Identity Theft Affidavit to help simplify the process of clearing up accounts opened by an identity thief.
• Notify your banks. They can help you obtain new account numbers for all of your checking, savings and other accounts. Be sure to pick a new PIN number for your ATM and debit cards. Close all of your credit card accounts and open with new account numbers.
• Notify the Postal Inspector if you suspect mail theft – a felony.
• Depending on your situation, you may want to contact the Social Security Administration to get a new Social Security number. Their telephone number is (800) 772-1213. You also may want to contact your telephone, long distance, water, gas and electrical companies to alert them that someone may try to open an account in your name.
• Finally, make sure to maintain a log of all the contacts you make with authorities regarding the matter. Write down each person’s name, title, and phone number in case you need to re-contact them or refer to them in future correspondence.
• Finally, make sure to maintain a log of all the contacts you make with authorities regarding the matter. Write down each person’s name, title, and phone number in case you need to re-contact them or refer to them in future correspondence.

Help safeguard your personal information online with this FREE benefit available to MasterCard^® holders.

Your Personal Information Is Extremely Important. That’s why we’re offering you MasterCard^® Identity Theft Alerts- a FREE service that continually monitors your online identity and card information, and alerts you to potential fraud or theft.

Here’s What The Service Provides:

• Identity Theft Alerts – A tool that alerts you if it detects that you credit or debit card, social security number, driver’s license and other personal information is being bought or sold online.
• Personal Assistance – Experienced security professionals can help check for any potential identity theft and offer expert guidance to help keep your online information safe.

Signing Up Is Easy!

Simply visit MasterCard® and enter your Crest Savings Bank MasterCard to get started.

To bring you this benefit, MasterCard has partnered with CSID, an industry leader in identity protection and fraud detection solutions.

• I’m still hesitant about banking online. Can other people see my account information?
  Your account information is just as secure as it is at your physical brick and mortar bank. We’ve taken every step possible to be sure our system meets the latest security standards. We utilize the latest Internet security available, including secure communications (SSL), firewalls, 128 bit encryption, and operating systems that have been designed to provide maximum security.
• I keep hearing a lot about encryption? What exactly is it, and why does it make everything more secure?
  Encryption is basically a way to rewrite something in a code which can then be decoded later with the right key. The encryption we use employs a mathematical process for the key which is made up of a certain number of bits (hence, 128-bit encryption). The higher the number of bits, the better the encryption. While using our Online Banking System, all communication from you to the system and from the system to you is encrypted using at least 128 bits. In other words, when you send information to the system, your browser encrypts it using a 128-bit key, and then sends it to the system. The system then decodes the information you sent it using the key (which is predetermined when your Online Banking session is started) and processes it.
• What about information that is stored? Is it encrypted as well?
  Information stored on our system is also encrypted using at least 128 bits.

• My debit card might have been part of a merchant security breach. Has my account been compromised?
  Although your card may be on the list it does not mean your account has been compromised. Because your security is our top priority, if your card is identified by the United States merchant network as part of a breach, we will automatically send you a replacement card at no cost. The card is issued as soon as possible to try and avoid interruption.
• How did my card get compromised?
  Most likely there was a security breach in a payment network that your card was used on. Many merchants that have a security breach make a public announcement about the breach and post information on their websites.
• Since my debit card is compromised, should I close my account as well?
  There is no need to close your checking account. Your account number is not at risk just your debit card number.
• What should I do if my current card has stopped working but I have not received a new card?
  To protect your security, all compromised cards will be closed automatically after three weeks of ordering your new card. If your card is being declined and you have not received your new card, please call your branch. Verify your address is correct on your account. It may be possible the card was returned to us in the mail.
• What if I currently have a forwarding address on file with the post office?
  Unfortunately, debit cards do not forward. The card will be returned to the bank. We will try to contact you to let you know the card was returned. You will have the option to pick it up at our Holly Beach location within a few days and update your address.
• What should I do if I notice unauthorized debit card transactions on my account?
  Contact your branch immediately to turn off your card. If it is after hours please call the number on the back of your card (800) 472-3272 or our phone link system at (888) 893-9984. If you need to dispute any unauthorized transactions please contact your branch manager.
• What should I do with any automatic payments set up on my compromised card?
  You will need to update your card number with the merchant (ie: EZ Pass, iTunes, Google Play, etc.)

• Refunds are not issued through Zelle®.
  If somebody calls you and offers refunds via Zelle®, hang up the phone and call your bank
• Only send to those you trust.
  Money sent can not be canceled if the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®. So, it’s important to only pay those you trust for items you know you’ll receive.
• Beware of scams.
  One example of a payment scam is buying concert tickets [or a scam that is trending at the moment, such as “puppy scams”, “utility scams”, etc.] at a price that seems too good to be true from a stranger and never receiving the item you paid for. If the seller asks you to use Zelle® to purchase the tickets, you should refuse unless the seller is a person you personally know. Neither Crest Savings Bank nor Zelle® offers a protection program for any authorized payments made with Zelle® – for example if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected.
• Treat Zelle® like cash.
  Confirm you typed your recipient’s information correctly before you send them money. When in doubt, contact your friend to verify the email or U.S. mobile number they used to enroll with Zelle® before you hit “Send.”

If you receive a text messages or phone call indicating that their debit card was deactivated or compromised and the caller is requesting personal information to reactivate your card, be advised these messages DID NOT originate from Crest Savings Bank. This is a widespread fraudulent smishing scam that is not unique to Crest Savings Bank.

If you receive this type of text or phone call, do not click on the link in the text, do not visit the website for reactivation, do not follow the instructions on the phone call.

The text and website may look legitimate, but they are fraudulent. Consumers are urged to be extremely cautious of any message or e-mail that requests credit or debit card information, or any other sensitive personal information. These contacts often are scams perpetuated by people looking to commit identity theft.

Crest Savings Bank does not ask for your account or confidential information unsolicited by phone, email or text. We do not report security issues by text messages and our debit cards have not been compromised. Our Operations Center is here to help with any concerns you may have about your accounts and/or debit card transactions. They are available at (609) 522-5091 during regular business hours.

If you have fallen for this scam – Don’t be embarrassed. We simply ask that you report the situation immediately by calling (609) 522-5091 or visit/call your local Crest Savings Bank branch. After business hours please call our Card Processing Center (Fiserv) at (800) 472-3272 to place a hold on your card.

The best way to avoid scams is to know what to look for. 

Watch this video to identify a “Pay Yourself Scam”

Video Link

The “Pay Yourself Scam” begins with a text message from a scammer that looks like a fraud alert. Crest Savings does not report security issues by text messages. Our Operations Center is here to help with any concerns you may have about your accounts. They are available at (609) 522-5091 during regular business hours. 

This is a widespread fraudulent scam that is not unique to Crest Savings Bank. If you have fallen for this scam – Don’t be embarrassed. We simply ask that you report the situation immediately by calling (609) 522-5091 or visit/call your local Crest Savings Bank branch. After business hours please call our Card Processing Center (Fiserv) at (800) 472-3272 to place a hold on your card.

Crest Savings Bank recommends using Mobile Banking from a modern Internet-enable phone which provides the same level of security as desktop computers using the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol for encrypting data flow between devices.

If you are using a mobile device, please be aware of the following security information.

• Lost/Stolen Device. A person could gain sensitive information from a mobile device if there is no password to access the device. Further information could be compromised if the mobile device has been set to remember passwords to mobile banking applications. Crest Savings Bank recommends password protecting your mobile device upon powering up and with the use of automatic screen locks. We encourage you not to have your mobile device remember passwords and to utilize remote wipe apps such as Find My iPhone and Find my Droid.
• Smishing. Spoof text messages could be sent to you with links that download malicious software and/or apps that can be used for exploitation. Crest Savings Bank will never ask for any sensitive information in a text message and no account numbers will be visible in text message banking.
• Malware. Malware could be installed on your mobile device that executes fraudulent transactions such as key logging and/or data scraping. Crest Savings Bank encourages customers to install Anti-Virus (AVS) programs on their mobile devices.
• Fraudulent Apps. Installing apps on mobile devices can have far reaching implications regarding the security of data contained on it as well as the general security of the device as a whole. Only download apps from trusted and approved app stores endorsed by the particular technology provider (iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, etc.) and service carrier. Certain mobile devices can be configured to block apps installed outside of trusted and approved app stores.
• Jailbreaking. Jailbreaking is a method of “self-hacking” your smartphone in order to gain full access to all features of the technologies of smartphones. However, this makes the smartphone extremely susceptible to malware, viruses, and other malicious programs. We highly encourage customers to not jailbreak their smartphones.
• Bluesnarfing. Bluesnarfing is the theft of information from a wireless device through a Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth is a short range high speed wireless technology used for sharing information between devices. Devices with Bluetooth enabled by default and “always on” may present a target for exploitation and interception of data which can be done undetected. We encourage you to keep Bluetooth turned off by default and only use when necessary. Make sure Bluetooth is turned off when conducting any mobile banking transactions/inquiries.

Operating System Updates. Devices such as iPhones, Blackberrys, and Droids frequently update Operating Systems (OS) thereby increasing risk of apps developed under a previous OS version not working once updated.
If you experience a suspicious incident related to Mobile Banking, please report it immediately to our Operations Department by calling (609) 522-5091.