Identity
Theft.......................... Are You a Victim?
l Protect your Identity
Identity theft is the fastest
growing crime in the United States. Approximately 500,000 people will be
victims of identity theft each year, will you be one? Following these
tips may reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
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Never respond to unsolicited
requests for your social security number (ssn) or other financial data. |
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Before discarding, shred all
credit card, atm receipts, and any pre approved credit offers you have
received and do not plan to use. |
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Check all credit card and bank
statements for accuracy. |
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Avoid easy to figure out access
and personal ID (pin) codes. |
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Obtain a copy of your credit
report yearly and check it for accuracy. |
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Use only secure sites when making
online purchases. Secure pages begin with "https." |
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Pay for online purchases by
credit card to assure you get what you paid for and to limit your liability. |
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Safeguard your SSN, and check
Earnings and Benefit statements annually for fraudulent use. |
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Take this quiz: http://www.idtheftcenter.org/html/identity_theft_iq.htm
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l If
you become a Victim
If you think you are a victim
of identity theft and don't know what to do or where to start, begin
by taking the following actions, feel free to contact your Privacy Officer
or call 225-6700 or 877-231-7200.
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File a police report. |
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Contact your banker. |
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Notify all of those with whom
you have a financial relationship. |
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Tag accounts closed due to fraud,
"closed at customers request." |
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Notify credit bureau fraud units. |
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Establish a password for telephone
inquiries on credit card accounts. |
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Place a fraud alert statement
on your credit report. |
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Request bi-monthly copies of
your credit report until your case is resolved. (Free to fraud victims) |
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Report check theft to check
verification companies. |
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Check post office for unauthorized
change of address requests. |
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Follow-up contacts with letters and keep
copies of all correspondence |
l log on to this site for
additional information http://www.idtheftcenter.org/html/self_help.htm. |
Remain
Alert
Suspect
ID theft if you're denied credit for no apparent reason or if routine
financial statements stop arriving in a timely manner. Contact
your Privacy Officer at Bow Mills Bank and Trust for assistance.
call 225-6700 or 877-231-7200.
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