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Central Valley Community Bank, Fresno, CA

Entry Year: 2019
Entry Category: Financial Education
Asset Size: Small
Program Name: Identity Protection Initiative

Program Summary:

While Central Valley Community Bank (CVCB) regularly educates their employees and customers on ways to prevent identity theft, in 2018 they creatively expanded their efforts by launching a multi-layer, year-long Identity Protection initiative.

The initiative began with CVCB’s 12th Annual Shred Events which educated the community on the importance of shredding sensitive documents to prevent identity theft while providing a complementary and safe shredding service in over 20 different Central CA locations in the Bank’s territory covering 15 different cities.

CVCB CEO Jim Ford and the Western Bankers Association CEO were interviewed on Entercom Sacramento’s 20 minute radio program, The Public File, to discuss how banks are protecting their customers from identity theft and provide tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. From the concepts discussed, CVCB developed a 6 page Identity Protection Guide that included supplemental information available for download from CVCB’s website and was eblasted to 7 Chambers of Commerce in Greater Sacramento.

Additionally, CVCB worked with Fresno State’s Family Business Institute for a cybersecurity lecture series for businesses. In fall 2018, CVCB partnered with the Fresno Police Department for the 2018 Cybersecurity Summit held in Fresno. This sold out event brought together Fresno PD, FBI, U.S. Secret Service and cybersecurity industry experts to educate local businesses, and the public on how to protect themselves against these threats.