Identity Theft
Be aware.
Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information (non-public data that might include Social Security number, account number or other identifying information) without your permission to commit fraud, other financial crimes or theft of funds.
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Identify Theft is a serious crime and can have a serious impact on the good name and credit record of a victim. Sometimes it can take months or years to clean up the results of such a crime and restore an individual's personal and financial life. Therefore, it is suggested that everyone monitor their financial records on a regular basis and take advantage of the opportunity to annually request free copies of their credit bureau reports from the three national credit reporting agencies, which can be requested annually.
If you believe that you are a victim of Identity Theft, take action immediately and use the link below to go directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for Identity Theft. You will find step-by-step instructions on what to do and important actions that you can take to recover from an Identity Theft situation. More information on how to take steps to protect against identity theft can be found at https://www.identitytheft.gov.
Don’t forget to contact us directly about an Identity Theft situation related to your account.
The following tips can help you protect yourself from Identity Theft:
- Protect your Social Security Number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
- Keep your address and phone number(s) updated with the Bank to ensure you are receiving all Bank information.
- Personal information should not be shared on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you are confident of the recipient.
- Inspect your credit report. Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus from AnnualCreditReport.com and monitor the reports periodically.
- If your identity is stolen, you should call one of the nationwide credit reporting companies listed below and ask for a fraud alert on your credit report; if you place the fraud alert with one, it will then notify the other two to place an alert.
- Equifax (800) 525-6285
- Experian (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion (800) 680-7289
- An alternative to a fraud alert would be to place a credit freeze. When you request a credit freeze from the credit reporting company, no one (including yourself) can access your credit report until it is unfrozen with your PIN. This can prohibit someone from applying for credit without your permission. Fees may apply depending upon your state of residence. Refer to FTC’s Consumer Information site for more information about utilizing this option: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs.
- Be aware and contact your Bank(s) if you receive unexpected bills, credit cards or account statements.
- Ask questions if you receive:
- Credit denials for no reason.
- Correspondence about purchases or credit applications you did not make.
- Unknown or unfamiliar charges on your financial statements.
