HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking two minutes a day to monitor accounts with BBVA Compass' online banking and mobile app is the focus of the bank's latest initiative to educate customers about guarding against fraud.

BBVA Compass marked National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October by launching the Be Alert campaign, which offers consumers insight into safeguarding their accounts, shares protections put in place by the bank, and highlights BBVA Compass tools to help customers watch for suspicious activity.

"Fraud is on the rise, so, it's no surprise that all consumers worry about being targeted," said Cody Sparks, director of multi-channel sales & promotion for BBVA Compass. "Our goal is to educate our customers on how BBVA Compass' real-time banking platform makes mobile banking and account alerts powerful tools in their fight against identity theft and fraud."

In 2013, more than 13 million people were victims of identity fraud, according to Javelin Research's 2014 Identity Fraud Report. In addition, 59 percent of Americans polled in the 2014 Unisys Security Index reported concerns about having card data stolen and 57 percent noted identity theft as a major worry. The Be Alert campaign was developed in response to these growing concerns and the customer expectation that banks offer insight into keeping accounts safe, said Sparks.

The campaign showcases BBVA Compass' online banking, mobile banking and account alert services – via marketing collateral, banking center signage, online content, and customer emails and conversations – as convenient tools for helping customers regularly monitor their accounts.

"BBVA Compass' mobile banking app and account alerts put power right in the pockets of consumers," said Sparks. "In just minutes, they can use both to check their accounts, review activity and immediately identify suspicious transactions. This reduces the time that a fraudster has to wreak major havoc on your finances."

The campaign will run through the end of the year, and online content will remain a permanent addition to the bank's website, www.bbvacompass.com.

For more information on fraud protection, visit the BBVA Compass Security Center at http://www.bbvacompass.com/security/.

About BBVA Group
BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a solid position in Spain, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt region of the United States. Its diversified business is geared toward high-growth markets and relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best practices. The Group is present in the main sustainability indexes. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.

About BBVA Compass
BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 673 branches, including 342 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 77 in Arizona, 62 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration and recently earned the top ranking with customers in American Banker's 2014 annual reputation survey of the top 25 largest U.S. retail banks. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com, by following @BBVACompassNews on Twitter or visiting newsroom.bbvacompass.com. 

Editor's Note:
BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Member FDIC.

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SOURCE BBVA Compass