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Yourself Main Page
Identity Theft
You’ve
probably heard of it. You may even know someone who has become a
victim of it. Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the
world, and unfortunately almost anyone can be vulnerable. But by
taking the following steps to manage your personal information
wisely and with timely awareness, you can minimize the risk
of it happening to you.
Click here for money management tips for college students
Protect your access
cards:
- Never write your PIN or Password on your
card or store them in your wallet where they can be
found
- Avoid selecting easily available information
to use as a PIN such as your birth date, phone number or address,
or any series of consecutive numbers
- Report a lost or stolen card immediately by
calling 1-800-754-4128 anytime
Protect your personal
information:
- Never give out sensitive information such as
your checking or savings account number, credit card number, or
social security number by telephone, mail or on the Internet
unless you have initiated the contact and you are
certain the company is reputable.
- Don’t use links from e-mails or other sites
anytime you must provide sensitive information. Type in the
company’s web address yourself. Ensure the site is secure by
checking the lock symbol at the bottom of your screen.
- Don’t carry your Social Security card in your
wallet, and never give out the number unless it is
absolutely necessary.
- Guard your mail from theft. Promptly pick up
your mail daily and don’t leave outgoing mail in an unprotected
mailbox.
- Shred or destroy any communications that contain
any pre-approved offers or personal information before you discard
it.
- Secure information at home. Don’t leave your
sensitive information lying around, especially if you have
roommates or workmen in and out.
Maintain
Vigilance:
- Balance your bank statements promptly every
month and report any unauthorized transactions to the bank
immediately.
- Order a copy of your credit report no less than
annually and check it for mistakes or fraud. This may be the
first indication that you have become a victim of identity
theft.
Under the FACT Act amendments to the Fair Credit
Reporting Act, you are entitled to one free Personal Credit Report
in a 12 month period. To request this free annual report, you may
contact:
www.annualcreditreport.com
1-877-322-8228
The three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies have always
encouraged consumers to regularly review their credit reports.
AnnualCreditReport.com offers consumers a fast and convenient way to
request, view and print their credit reports in a secure Internet
environment. You can contact the credit bureaus by clicking on
the following links or calling the toll free numbers:
If
You've Become a Victim
In spite of your best efforts, if you find you’ve become a victim
of identity theft, take action immediately! You have rights
and protections under the law, but the steps you take upon discovery
will limit further damage, and get you on the road to recovering
your good credit.
Take These Steps Immediately
- Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll free at
877-438-4338
- Contact the Fraud Departments at any one of the
Credit Bureaus. As soon as the credit bureau confirms the alert,
the other two bureaus will automatically be notified. The fraud
numbers are:
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Experian |
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Equifax |
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TransUnion |
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1-888-397-3742 |
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1-800-525-6285 |
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1-800-680-7289 |
- Contact the bank. Click here for the phone
numbers and hours of our
Adams, Cheshire and
Williamstown offices
- Contact your credit card companies. Keep the
numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards handy. Close any
accounts that have been opened or used for fraud.
- File a police report. This should be with your
local police department as well as with the police department in
the community where the identity theft occurred.
Recommendations
The Federal Government maintains information about Identity Theft
and what to do if you are victimized at
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
As you go through the reporting process, be sure and maintain a
log of the people you speak to and the time you spoke to them.
Gather and copy as much documentation as you can about the
fraud.
The bank will assist you in the process as you begin to clear
your name and regain your credit standing. Contact your local branch
manager for assistance.
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