Identity Theft Prevention Tips
On all of our statements for the last few months, we've been placing Identity Theft Prevention tips in the message area.
Identity Theft Tip #1: If you don't initiate the call, never give out your personal information over the phone.
Identity Theft Tip #2: Shred financial solicitations and financial statements before disposing of them.
Identity Theft Tip #3: Always sign the backs of your debit and credit cards.
Identity Theft Tip #4: Don't carry your Social Security Card with you!
Identity Theft Tip #5: When creating passwords or pass codes, avoid using obvious numerical sequences (for example 1234), your birth date, your Social Security number, or your mother's maiden name.
Identity Theft Tip #6: Each year request a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877)322-8228. Reviewing your report can help detect fraud.
Identity Theft Tip #7: If you fall victim to Identity Theft, please contact us. Our trained staff can help you with our Identity Theft911 assistance program - a free benefit we provide to our customers.
Identity Theft Tip #8: Notify us of suspicious telephone inquiries such as those asking for account information, to "verify a statement" or "award a prize."
Identity Theft Tip #9: Women: When eating out, never leave your purse unattended or hanging over the back of your chair.
Identity Theft Tip #10: Prevent the theft of your mail. Don't allow incoming mail to accumulate in your mail box. Retrieve it promptly.
Identity Theft Tip #11: Shred all unsolicited credit card offers.
Identity Theft Tip #12: Protect your debit card as if it were cash. Don't write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your card or give the number out to anyone.
Identity Theft Tip #13: Before traveling, record your credit card numbers and the telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Keep the information in a safe place away from your wallet.
Identity Theft Tip #14: When using your debit card at an ATM machine or Point of Sale location, shield the keypad and make sure no one watches you type in your PIN number.
