Identity Theft

Identity fraud/theft is one of the fastest-growing financial crimes in the United States. The only way to prevent identity fraud/theft is to protect yourself and your identity. 

To PREVENT identity fraud/theft: 

• Do not have driver’s license or social security number printed on personal checks. 
• Do not carry your Social Security card or Birth Certificate on you. 
• Try not to carry more than one credit card on you. 
• Do not carry credit card receipts. 
• Do not carry any pin numbers or passwords to accounts or write them on cards. 
• Shred all credit card offers mailed to you. 
• Never give out any credit card or bank information to anyone calling you.  
• Do not leave outgoing mail in your mailbox; drop it off at the Post Office. 
• Always review your monthly statements for any unexplained charges. 
• Shred all documents with account information before disposing of them. 
• Only order from secure, reputable internet sites. 
• Make photocopies of the contents in your wallet. Keep a copy in a safe place.

 If your Identity has been stolen  

• Call your local police department and file a report. Obtain a copy of the report for your records and in case your bank or credit card company needs a copy. 
• Notify the 3 major credit bureaus. Equifax 1-800-685-1111, Experian 1-888-3973742, Trans Union 1-800-916-8800. 
• Change all account numbers for credit cards, banks, and utilities. Set up passwords for your new accounts.