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With the prevalence of identity theft and fraud, protecting your financial information is crucial.  Criminals constantly are finding new ways to obtain your confidential information, using scams and social engineering tactics.  Read below for information on ways to protect your identity and your financial accounts.

Fraud Prevention and Identity Protection Tips

• • How Do I Protect My Identity?

  • ID THEFT PREVENTION

    Identity Theft is a serious crime. It occurs when someone takes your personal information without your knowledge and uses it to commit fraud or other crimes.

    Click here to learn about our ID TheftSmart™ restoration and credit monitoring programs.

    Q. How Do I Protect my Identity?

    A: Follow these simple guidelines:

    • Monitor your bank accounts regularly.
    • Shred any documents with sensitive information.
    • Don't carry your Social Security card with you, and don't give it out unless it is absolutely necessary.
    • Only give out personal information over the phone when you have initiated the call.
    • Do not respond to emails from unknown senders.
    • Keep your computer's security (firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software) up-to-date.
    • Create different passwords on all of your accounts and devices.
    • Cancel unwanted pre-screened credit mailings at www.OptOUtPrescreen.com
    • Keep any sensitive information in a secure location, either in a safe, or in a safe deposit box.
    • Check your credit report at least annually to make sure everything is correct. (www.annualcreditreport.com is the ONLY government-sanctioned website where you can check your report for free once a year.)

    Q. What if Identity Theft happens to me?

    A: Unfortunately, identity theft can strike any of us at any time. If you have been a victim of identity theft, here are some steps you can take to minimize the impact:

    1. Contact your financial institution(s) about the situation and close any accounts that have been affected or that have been opened fraudulently.
    2. Freeze your credit at the three major credit bureaus.  This prevents creditors from pulling your credit report when a fraudster applies for credit in your name.

       Credit Bureau	Online	By Phone	By Mail
       Experian	Experian Credit Freeze Page	888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)	Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 Mail in Form
       Equifax	Equifax Credit Freeze Page	(888) 298-0045	Equifax Information Services, LLC P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 Mail in Form
       TransUnion	TransUnion Credit Freeze Page	(888) 909-8872 OR (800) 916-8800	TransUnion P.O. Box 160 Woodlyn, PA 19094 Mail in Form
    3. File a police report
    4. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission
    5. Document the entire process

  • How Can I Prevent Becoming a Victim of Fraud or Scams?

  • FRAUD AWARENESS

    Financial fraud is one of the most devastating events that can happen to you.  Financial fraud involves intentional deceit or harm to a victim for someone else's financial gain.

    Protect your money from scammers by taking precautions that may prevent you from becoming a victim of financial fraud.

    View fraud and scam prevention tips.  Fraud Awareness

  • How Can I Obtain a Free Annual Credit Report?

  • ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT

    You may obtain a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  Annual Credit Report

    Your credit reports matter:

    • Credit reports may affect your loan rates, credit card approvals, apartment requests, or even your job application.
    • Reviewing credit reports helps you cats signs of identity theft early.
    • Obtain your free credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com

  • How Do I Freeze My Credit?

  • Freeze your credit at the three major credit bureaus.  This prevents creditors from pulling your credit report when a fraudster applies for credit in your name.

    Credit Bureau	Online	By Phone	By Mail
    Experian	Experian Credit Freeze Page	888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)	Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 Mail in Form
    Equifax	Equifax Credit Freeze Page	(888) 298-0045	Equifax Information Services, LLC P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 Mail in Form
    TransUnion	TransUnion Credit Freeze Page	(888) 909-8872  OR (800) 916-8800	TransUnion P.O. Box 160 Woodlyn, PA 19094 Mail in Form

  • Are There Additional Resources on Identity Theft?

  • ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Federal Trade Commission
    Identity Theft Resource Center
    Free Annual Credit Report

  • How Can I Protect Myself Online?

  • PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE

    Although the internet has many advantages, it can also make users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other scams. According to a 2018 Gallup Poll, one in four Americans has experienced cybercrime. The American Bankers Association recommends the following tips to keep you safe online:

    • Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date.  Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
    • Establish passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
    • Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with.
      • Immediately file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
    • Recognize and avoid bogus website links. Cybercriminals embed malicious links to download malware onto devices and/or/ route users to bogus websites. Hover over suspicious links to view the actual URL that you are being routed to. Fraudulent links are often disguised by simple changes in the URL. For example: www.ABC-Bank.com vs ABC_Bank.com
    • Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc.  Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
    • Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app to secure and encrypt your communications when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. (See the Federal Trade Commission’s tips for selecting a VPN app.)
    • Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
    • Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

    Source:  American Bankers Association "Protect Yourself Online", 10/16/2023

  • How Can I Protect My Mobile Device?

  • PROTECT YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

    Your mobile device provides convenient access to your email, bank and social media accounts. Unfortunately, it can potentially provide the same convenient access for criminals. The American Bankers Association recommends following these tips to keep your information — and your money — safe.

    • Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
    • Log out completely when you finish a mobile banking session.
    • Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software, worms, and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary “permissions” and delete unused or rarely used apps.
    • Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
    • Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number on your mobile device.
    • Tell your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
    • Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re punching in sensitive information.
    • Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
    • Beware of mobile phishing. Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don’t know. And be wary of ads (not from your security provider) claiming that your device is infected.
    • Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren't very secure, so don’t perform banking transactions on a public network. If you need to access your account, try disabling the Wi-Fi and switching to your mobile network. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app to secure and encrypt your communications when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. (See the Federal Trade Commission’s tips for selecting a VPN app.)
    • Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

    Source:  Amercian Bankers Association, October 16, 2023

  • How Can I Stay Up to Date on Current Scams and Fraud Prevention?

  • SECURITY AND FRAUD PREVENTION

    Criminals are creative and brilliant.  They are always trying to keep two steps in front of everyone by crafting new scams to trick unsuspecting victims into providing information to them for their financial gain.  Staying alert and being skeptical and cautious is your best defense. 

    We regularly post current scams and fraud prevention tips for you to stay up to date on current tactics criminals are using for their financial gain. 

    Click here to read articles on scams and fraud prevention tips.