Identity Theft

Identity Theft: How to Protect Yourself 

Identity theft is a big concern today.  It occurs when a thief discovers someone's personal financial information and uses it to make purchases or steal money from them.  While law enforcement and financial institutions are working to prevent identity theft, consumers need to take precautions.

Here are some things you can do:

• Protect your Social Security, bank account, and credit card numbers at all times.  Also be careful with your PINs and passwords.
• Never provide confidential information in response to a phone call, letter or an email no matter how friendly or official it appears.  These scams are called "phishing."
• Don't throw away old ATM or credit card receipts, bank statements or tax returns without shredding them first.  Thieves pick through trash bins looking for trash they can turn into cash.
• Guard your mailbox to protect confidential information sent to you.  Pick up your mail as soon as you can.  When mailing a check, put it in a postal service mailbox.  Don't leave it for a postal carrier to pick up.
• Never provide financial information when visiting a website unless it clearly explains how your personal information is protected.
• Before disposing of an old computer, erase files that contain financial records, tax returns and other personal information.

Source: FDIC Consumer News

If you suspect your information has been compromised, you can contact the major credit bureaus listed below and they can place an alert on your file for 90 days.  You can also extend the alert. 

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• Transunion:1-800-680-7289