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Identity theft is one of the fastest growing types of fraud
with up to 500,000 cases each year. The tips are part of Waterford Bank, N.A.’s continuing
efforts to promote financial education and safety.
Identity theft involves criminals stealing individuals’
personal credit information and assuming their identities by applying for credit in their names,
running up huge bills, stiffing creditors and generally wrecking victims’ credit histories.
Vigilant monitoring of your personal information and knowing who you are doing business
with are two of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim.
Understanding how criminals get access to you personal information is your first line of
defense.
Consumers can avoid becoming victims by following some simple tips from the American
Bankers Association:
- Don’t give your Social Security number or other personal credit information about yourself
to anyone who calls you. Criminals use this information to open new charge accounts posing
as you.
- Tear up receipts, bank statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
Shred these documents if you have a shredder available to you.
Criminals can collect bits of information about you by going through your trash.
- Watch for missing mail and don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up. An
identity thief may steal your mail and file a change of address form with your credit card
company or the U.S. Postal Service.
- Review your monthly accounts regularly for any unauthorized charges.
- Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.
- When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active.
- Don’t open e-mail from unknown sources and use virus detection software.
- Protect your PINs and passwords and change them frequently.
- When logging on to the Online Banking system, make sure that YOUR picture and pass phrase appear on the screen
before entering your password.
- Report any suspected fraud to your bank, credit card companies and the fraud units
of the three credit reporting agencies immediately.
More steps to take to prevent Identity Theft
Steps to take if you are a victim of Identity Theft
Important Contact Information:
As always, you can
contact us with any questions or concerns that you have.
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