Download News and Resources: Identity Theft

News and Resources: Identity Theft
Identity theft and account fraud are making headlines daily. They happen when someone
steals personal information such as your social security number, credit card number or
bank account number, then poses as you. They can clean out your account or run up
debts in your name, or both. More than 400,000 people are victims of these crimes
annually, according to government estimates.
We work hard every day to ward off the opportunity for these threats to happen, but
maximum security is only possible with your help. Here are some tips on what you can
do to make sure bad things don't happen to your good name:
1. Don't give out financial information such as checking and credit card numbers, or
your social security number, over the phone, fax or internet unless you either initiated the
call or are very comfortable that you know the person or company you're dealing with.
We will never call and request this information from you; it's already on file with us. So,
if you get a call from someone posing as a representative from your bank, don't release
this kind of information. You can protect yourself by adopting a "need to know" policy
about your personal data.
2. If you receive an e-mail request that appears to be from your Internet Service Provider
(ISP) stating that your account information needs to be updated, or the credit card you
signed up with is invalid or expired and the information needs to be re-entered to keep
your account active, do not respond without calling your ISP directly. Never submit
personal identification over the Internet unless you are A) Certain of the company's
reputation, and B) Certain that the web site is secure.
3. Report lost or stolen checks, Visa Check cards, credit cards, or ATM cards as soon as
you realize they're missing. We will block the payment on the check numbers involved,
or hot card your ATM/Visa Check Card so it can't be used.
4. If you're ordering new checks, be sure you keep track of when they should arrive.
Examine the box carefully when it arrives to be sure none were stolen in transit. Store
your bank statements, new checks and ATM/Visa Check Cards in a safe place. The same
applies to your credit cards. Never leave them in a vehicle or unprotected place.
5. Notify your bank representative of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for
account information to 'verify a statement' or 'award a prize'.
6. Guard your ATM or Visa Check Card personal identification number (PIN), and your
ATM receipts. Thieves can use them to access your accounts.
7. Don't throw away financial solicitations that arrive in your mailbox. Destroy them so
thieves can't use them to assume your identity. The same applies to any bank statements
or invoices; "Dumpster diving" is a very common method of identity theft.
8. Don't put outgoing mail in or on your mailbox. Drop it in a secure, official Postal
Service collection box to keep thieves from using your mail to steal your identity.
9. If regular bills don't arrive on time, call the company to find out why. Someone may
have filed a false change-of-address notice to divert your information. If you're traveling,
have a trusted friend pick up your mail daily, or ask the Post Office to hold your mail
until you return.
10. If your bills include suspicious items, don't ignore them. Investigate them promptly
to ward off any possible fraud before it occurs, and protect yourself from paying for
transactions you didn't authorize.
11. From time to time, contact the major credit reporting companies to review your file
and make certain the information on your bureau is correct. For a small fee, you can
obtain a copy of your credit report. The three major bureaus are:
Equifax 1-800-685-1111
Experian 1-800-682-7654
TransUnion 1-800-916-8800
For more information, please contact customer service at 1-800-735-4371