Identity Theft

We have explained how the bank has set up safeguards to protect you and your account information. You are the best defense against identity theft.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and is often triggered by an individual who unwittingly provides information or access to someone who is unauthorized to have the data.

Customers who fall prey to email or web-related fraud offers face significant and immediate risk. Criminals who gain unauthorized access to financial accounts will act immediately to utilize the identity theft before the victim realizes the problem has occurred. In many cases, it is too late to take action to stop identity theft.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone acquires your personal information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. It is a serious crime and cases are growing. An all-too-common example is when an identity thief uses your personal information to open a credit card account in your name.

No matter how cautious you are, there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of identity theft. But there are ways you can help minimize your risk. Below are some tips on how you can protect yourself by managing your personal information wisely and what the best defense is against identity theft.

Helpful Tips

Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know with whom you’re dealing.
Don’t carry your Social Security card with you; leave it in a secure place. Carry only the identification and credit and debit cards that you need.
Don’t put your address, phone number, or Driver’s License number on credit card sales receipts.
Social Security numbers or phone numbers should not be put on your checks.
Shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you’re discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail.
Secure your credit card, bank, and phone accounts with passwords. Avoid using easily available information like birth date, the last four digits of your SSN, or your phone number.
Secure personal information in your home, particularly if you have roommates or hire outside help.
Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you’re planning to be away from home and can’t pick up your mail request a vacation hold.
Check your credit report.
Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies every year. Make sure it is accurate and includes only those activities you have authorized. By checking your report on a regular basis, you can catch mistakes and fraud before they wreak havoc on your personal finances. Don’t underestimate the importance of this step.

Credit Bureaus

Equifax: To order your report, call: 1-800-685-1111 or to report fraud, call: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: To order your credit report or report fraud, call: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion: To order your report, call: 1-800-916-8800 or to report fraud, call: 1-800-680-7289

What is Your Best Defense Against Identity Theft?

Awareness. Being alert and watching for unusual activity or requests for information are effective weapons against identity theft. Awareness of how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours. And, awareness of what to do when you suspect your identity has been stolen.

Armed with the knowledge of how to protect yourself and take action, you can make identity thieves’ jobs much more difficult. You can also help fight identity theft by educating your friends, family, and members of your community. The Federal Trade Commission has prepared a collection of easy-to-use materials to enable anyone regardless of existing knowledge about identity theft to inform others about this serious crime. To learn more, please visit their website on identity theft at www.ftc.gov.

Deluxe ID TheftBlock^®

First Bank and Trust offers Deluxe ID TheftBlock, which proactively monitors your accounts and helps you protect your good name. Here are some of the benefits:

Monitors your credit records
Screens check orders for name or address changes
Alerts you to activity on your accounts
Assists victims of identity theft
Reimburses certain expenses related to identity theft
Guards and protects your accounts

This identity theft detection and recovery solution is available for a low $4.49 monthly fee that is conveniently deducted from your First Bank and Trust checking account.