What is identity theft?
Identity theft is the utilization of another’s personal information
for fraudulent purposes. More often than not, personal information
is obtained illegally and without the identity theft victim’s
knowledge. A common example is when an identity thief uses someone
else’s personal information to open a credit card account in the
identity theft victim’s name.
How identity thieves get information
Identity thieves get smarter and smarter regarding ways to steal ID
information. The following are commonplace ID theft practices:
- Stolen wallets or purses.
- Stolen mail.
- Residential trash or the trash of local businesses.
- Fraudulently obtained credit reports.
- Business or personal records from their workplace.
- Personal information shared over the internet.
How identity thieves use information
- Open new credit card accounts, make purchases without paying
the bills. The delinquent accounts are reported against the
victim.
- “Change of Address Forms” are used to divert mail to a
different location so time elapses before unauthorized activity
is reported.
- Establish phone or wireless services.
- Open new bank accounts and write fraudulent checks.
- Make large purchases, such as an automobile, by applying for
loans.
Consumer education sources:
The following websites provide further information for consumers:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.fdic.gov/index.html
www.identitytheft.org
How to minimize risk
Before revealing any personal identification information, find out
how it will be used and whether it will be shared with others. Don’t
divulge unnecessary information.
Other protections include:
- Pay attention to billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if bills
do not arrive on time.
- Deposit outgoing mail at the post office.
- Limit identifying information and credit cards carried to those
necessary.
- Do not give out personal information via phone, mail or over the
internet to undisclosed sources.
- Request a copy of your credit report annually from any one of the
three major credit bureaus for review.
- Equifax - www.equifax.com
- Experian - www.experian.com
- Trans Union -
www.transunion.com
If you become a victim
If you suspect that someone has been using your personal
information, you should contact:
- The fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus
- The creditors of any accounts that have been misused
- The local police to file a report.
- It is wise to cancel existing accounts held in your name and
re-open new accounts with new passwords.
Protect Yourself Against Phishing
A new internet threat literally "fishes" for your personal
information through bogus e-mails and web sites. Phishing is
internet piracy that seeks to obtain account numbers, passwords,
social security information and other confidential information in
order to loot your checking account or charge items on your credit
cards.
How it Works
You might receive an e-mail that seems to come from a respected
business, even one you have a relationship with, or a government
agency.
It might warn you of a problem that you must attend to immediately
using words like, "Immediate Attention Required" or "Contact Us
Immediately."
In most scams you will be redirected to a fraudulent website where
your financial information is stolen. If you provide information at
that time you may find yourself a victim of fraud.
Protect Yourself
- Never provide your personal information in response to an
unsolicited request.
- If you are not sure about the caller or e-mail, contact your
financial institution directly.
- Never provide critical information over the phone or in response
to an unsolicited internet request.
- Double check your account statement.
- Do not be intimidated.
- If you think you are the victim of a fraud, contact your
financial institution immediately so that fraud alerts can be placed
on your credit file.
- Suspicious e-mails or calls can be reported to the Federal Trade
Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
The Bank’s commitment to confidentiality
The Bank is committed to safeguarding our customers’ financial
information. Maintaining our customers’ trust and confidence is a
top priority. To learn more about how we protect your information,
please ask for a copy of our privacy policy at any of our branch
locations or click on the link below.
Privacy Policy
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