Protecting Your Identity

Identity theft is when someone takes personal information from you and uses it to acquire credit and/or make purchases under your name. It is important to learn how to keep your personal information as secure as possible from identity theft.

To protect yourself from identity theft, we recommend that you

• Shred documents such as pre-approved credit card offers.
• Shred or protect bank and credit card statements. 
• If you're expecting a new credit card or bank card, make sure you receive it within the allotted time. If not, contact the issuer immediately and make sure the card was sent. 
• Get a post office box or locked mailbox to prevent theft. 
• Passwords protect all accounts with made-up words. Change passwords that use your mother's maiden name. 
• Memorize your Social Security number and passwords.
• When re-ordering checks, send them to your bank, not your home address. 
• "Phishing" refers to unsolicited e-mails that bear the logo of a bank or credit cards. They appear legitimate, but are actually traps to lure you into giving out your account numbers. Never give out identifying numbers such as Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers to an unsolicited e-mailer or caller. 
• If an institution uses your Social Security number as an ID number, ask if you can change it to a different number.
• Do not carry identifiers such as Social security card, passport or birth certificate around with you.
• Notify your bank or credit card company if you are missing a statement or suspect it was stolen. 
• Order your credit card report at least once a year (free nationwide) by calling 877-322-8228 or at www.annualcreditreport.com. For any fraudulent items on your report, call the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) immediately and place a fraud alert on your file. 
• Make a list of all credit card account numbers and bank account numbers (including customer service numbers) and keep it in a safe place.
• Do not store bank or credit card account numbers on your computer.