Security Center | Online Security | South Carolina Federal

Cybersecurity issues continue to evolve. Stay updated here.

We frequently use our phones, tablets, and laptops to engage in online transactions and take care of financial tasks. We all leave a digital footprint, and that requires careful consideration of how to protect our identities, accounts, and other sensitive data. This hub provides advice on how to prevent, recognize, and report scams and fraud.

Identity Theft

This detailed guide explains what identity theft is and how to spot, avoid, and react to it.

Learn More

Protect Your Information

Take a careful approach and pay attention to warning signs to fight fraud and keep your information secure.

Learn More

Steps to Take After Fraud

Act quickly to minimize the damage, and know that we are always here to help you.

Learn More

Identity Theft Insurance (IdentityForce*)

A special policy provides multiple layers of additional protection by constantly monitoring your personal information.

Learn More

Frequently
asked questions

What can I do to protect my credit card information?

It is important to monitor your credit card statements on a monthly basis to ensure that they are correct and that there are no fraudulent charges on your account. There are many ways to help ensure that your information is safe:

Only buy from reputable online merchants.
Never disclose your credit card number to anyone that calls and asks for it.
If your contact information changes, contact us as soon as possible to have it updated. This ensures that we can notify you quickly if suspicious activity is suspected on your account.

How do I update my security phone number(s)?

To update your security phone number in Online Banking, follow these simple steps:

Click on "Settings".
Click on "Security and Alerts".
Click on "Identity Verification Phones".
Enter your new phone number in the space provided.
Enter your phone nickname.
Select how you would like to receive notifications.
Check the box indicating that you have read and agree with the Verification Alerts terms and conditions.
Click "Save".

Please note that for security purposes you will be prompted with multifactor authentication when making this type of change to your account. You can choose to receive the one-time passcode via text message or phone call.

How do I add and/or change my identity verification phone number?

To update your security phone number in Online Banking, follow these simple steps:

Click on "Settings".
Click on "Security and Alerts".
Click on "Identity Verification Phones".
Enter your new phone number in the space provided.
Enter your phone nickname.
Select how you would like to receive notifications.
Check the box indicating that you have read and agree with the Verification Alerts terms and conditions.
Click "Save".

How do I change my password?

Follow these steps to change your password:

Click on "Settings"
Click on "Profile"
Click on "Password"
Enter your Current Password
Enter your New Password
Confirm your New Password
Click "Save"

Please note that for security purposes you may be prompted with multifactor authentication when making this type of change to your account. You can choose to receive the one-time passcode via text message or phone call. Like all passwords, it is important to keep your Online Banking password confidential.

Is Text Banking secure?

Text Banking service is secure. Text messages will never contain confidential information about you or your accounts. Messages will never contain full account numbers.

Why do I need to verify my phone for Text Banking?

Verifying your phone is a one-time step and is one way we ensure the security of mobile text messaging.

Why can’t I see my account numbers on the home screen?

All account numbers have been masked within Online Banking for your security.

I do not recall logging in during the time that is stated on the homepage of Online Banking. What’s happening?

This is a reflection of Trends (also known as AllData PFM) updating your account information to provide timely information in the Trends area.

I received an email that I received a secure message. How do I find that message?

In Online Banking, click on one of your deposit accounts (i.e. savings or checking account tile).
Click on "Online Statements".
Click "Continue".
Click "Account Notice".

What do I do if I forgot the answers to my security questions?

If you forgot the answer(s) to your security question(s), log into online banking and reset them by following these steps:

Click on "Settings".
Click on "Security and Alerts".
Click on "Security Questions".
Choose security questions.
Enter your answers in the space provided.
Click "Save".

I was locked out, but contacted South Carolina Federal and was able to unlock my account? However, I still am unable to log into the Mobile App? What’s happening?

Please ensure that you have logged into the desktop version of Online Banking before attempting to log into the Mobile App.

I logged into the Mobile App and had to change screens to look at another app/e-mail/etc.? and now I have to log in again? Can I choose to stay logged in?

No. This is an intended feature of our Mobile app for your security and protection. You will have to log in each time you switch screens.

My session timed out pretty quickly, can I change the timeout value?

Five minutes is the only timeout option. For your security and protection, when there has been no account activity for five minutes, the session times out and display the Mobile Banking log in page with a Session Expired message.

Why do I have to answer security questions within Mobile Banking?

This is an enhanced security feature of Online Banking 2015.

Are my challenge question answers case sensitive?

No, your challenge answers are not case sensitive (e.g., Pine is the same as pine). However, they must be in the same format that was originally used (e.g., 1/2/15 is not the same as 01/02/2015 or Jan 2, 2015). Try to select answers that only you know and ones that you should be able to remember.

Is it safe to bank using the Mobile Banking service?

Yes. To protect your privacy, you are required to authenticate yourself, using the same information from Online Banking, on each individual mobile device. And all communication between your mobile device, wireless provider and the mobile banking server are encrypted. In addition, your passwords, answers to challenge questions and account information are never stored by the mobile device or in the Mobile Banking application.

Is a password needed for Mobile Banking?

Yes. From your mobile device, all you need to do is login to Mobile Banking the same as you would Online Banking, using the same log-in information you do for Online Banking. No separate Mobile Banking sign-up is required.

Why am I asked to authenticate when making a transfer?

You may be asked to provide additional information such as answers to challenge questions when making transfers. This is a security measure to ensure that you are authorizing the transfer.

I am out of the country and want to check Online Banking. Can I validate my account using EMFA?

Yes - please follow that country's rule for how to enter your phone number and ensure that your phone is supported in that country.

For Guam/Puerto Rico use: +1 and the phone number.
For all other countries use: + and the international phone number.

When will I know that Enhanced Multifactor Authentication is set for my accounts?

You will be prompted to sign up when you log into Online Banking. Follow the instructions to enroll your computer by providing the information requested.

What about Mobile Banking or Mobile App?

Mobile Banking and Mobile App will continue to use challenge questions to confirm your identity.

Why the change to your log-in process?

To meet the suggested guidance of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and to further protect your Online Banking experience.

Can I access my accounts from other computers such as my home, my office or on the road?

Yes, you can access your accounts from any computer.

How will I receive the one time passcode or challenge questions?

If you are using Online Banking via a desktop, you'll receive it either by text or voice call. If you are using Online Banking via the mobile app, web-based app, or mobile banking site, you'll be prompted to answer challenge questions.

Is there a limit to the number of security phones I can have on my account?

You may have up to five security phones on your account.

What information will be required?

You will be prompted for your username and password, as usual. In addition you will be required to provide information that enables us to send you a One-Time Use Passcode (OTP). You will need to have a phone on hand. We recommend that you enroll your personal mobile phone. Enrolling a phone number that is shared with others is not recommended.

What is Enhanced Multifactor Authentication?

Enhanced Multifactor Authentication (EMFA) is a new way of authenticating a person's identity when logging into Online Banking. EMFA means two different types of authentication must be passed—your password and a Onetime Use Passcode (OTP). By using two different factors of authentication, we get a higher assurance that you are the correct intended user.

Will I have to do these steps with all my South Carolina Federal accounts?

Yes, each separate login requires you to go through the enhancement process.

How do I update my security questions?

To update your security phone number in Online Banking, follow these simple steps:

Click on "Settings".
Click on "Security and Alerts".
Click on "Security Questions".
Choose security questions.
Enter your answers in the space provided.
Click "Save".

Need additional help?