Wyoming B&T: Looking out for its customers

Wyoming Bank and Trust’s latest endeavor involves the implementation of a state of the art Identity Theft system as a means of protection for its customers.

The system offers an identity theft prevention service. It continuously monitors and detects potential theft. It also insures the customer that he or she will obtain full recovery in the event of a violation of identity.

The board at this locally owned bank has the advantage of being able to make decisions in the best interests of its customers without seeking the approval of other sources; as long as it remains in compliance with State and Federal regulations. As millions of people are falling victim to fraud each year, the institution decided to investigate programs that could offer good protection to its customers and employees.

The bank’s representatives felt it was important to install a program that would be able to service all customers, including those without access to email. Secure Identity Systems fit the bill. Another reason they selected this provider because their representatives were able to come on site and install the program as well as offer educational seminars on how the system works.

Two versions of the system are offered to customers. The basic version presented is a general insurance policy for account holders. Customers receive education and identity recovery services at no charge to them.

If a customer would incur costs recovering their identity, such as legal and wage loss, this policy would protect them from any losses up to $20,000. Bank employees receive the complete version as part of their benefit package. Customers are offered the option to upgrade to the full plan at any time at a discounted rate.

The enhanced version includes the tracking of hundreds of databases, providing a continuous monitoring service. The tracking mechanism monitors such information as utilities, DMV records, and medical records. If it is found that a person is using someone else’s social security number, a flag will appear in the system. Then a professional from Secure Identity Systems would notify the victim immediately.

The identity theft provider manages the complete breach recovery service. A professional advocate represents the victim in order to help him or her reclaim their identity. This professional handles all issues regarding the recovery, including research, phone calls, letters, documentation, etc. This helps relieve some of the stress for the victim. Also, by handling this problem through an expert, the recovery time is usually decreased. The program is sure to provide peace of mind to the customers and employees knowing that it is at work for them.

Another offering of this institution that has demonstrated its commitment to one-on-one service for its customers is the “Venture Club” plan. This program offers a variety of benefits for customers 55 and older. Some of the perks offered include unlimited check writing, more competitive interest rates on some accounts, broad travel opportunities, social events, and a monthly newsletter. This program has proven to be quite successful to the institution as well as beneficial to the customers. Over the past several years, the bank has added 10 to 20 percent to its senior accounts.

Wyoming Bank and Trust also offers a wide array of deposit, loan, and investment services. In addition, the institution makes every effort to personalize all of its services to meet its customers’ current needs. The bank has two locations to serve its customers; one in Cheyenne and one in Burns.

In the future, the bank plans to continue to provide the best possible service to its customers by focusing on technological updates. These enhancements to its online and local banking services are expected to be completed over the next six months.

Denise Davis has over 20 years of experience in business analysis. Through the years, Denise has written a variety of articles and vocational biographies. She can be reached at dtdavwrite@comcast.net.