How You Can Help Protect
Yourself
Studies show time and time again that identity fraud happens
much more often offline, than online. However, we feel it is important that you
have the information necessary to safely conduct your personal business online.
Follow this guide to learn how to prevent, detect, correct, and report online
fraud and identity theft.
PREVENT
Prevention is the most critical element to avoiding online fraud. See
how many of the following you are currently undertaking and incorporate the
rest into your routine.
Prevent: General Online Security
Shred all financial documents and paperwork with personal information
do not simply throw them in the trash.
Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security
card in your wallet or write it anywhere. Give it out only if absolutely
necessary or ask to use another identifier.
Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or
over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a
web address you are already familiar with. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home
computer -- and keep them current.
Create passwords that are unusual: do not use your birth date, your
mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially
if you employ outside help, have roommates, or are having work done in your
house.
Ordering online? Only use "secure" web pages (a web page is
secure if there is a locked padlock in the lower left-hand corner of your
browser)
Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the
reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures
before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing
accounts.
The following consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for
placing an initial 90-day fraud alert. Choose one of
the following:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
When your computer is not in use, shut it down or disconnect it from
the Internet.
Always sign off from your Online Banking session
Avoid clicking on links provided in emails. It is always better to
type the address into your browser
Most computer files have filename extensions, such as ".doc"
for documents or ".jpg" for images. Any file that appears to have a
double extension, like "heythere.doc.pif"
is extremely likely to be a dangerous file and should never be opened.
Never open email attachments that have file endings of .exe, .pif, or .vbs. These are file extensions for executables,
and are commonly dangerous files.
Be careful and selective before providing your email address to a
questionable website. Sharing your email address makes you more likely to receive
fraudulent emails.
DETECT - General Online Security
Despite all efforts to prevent it, identity fraud can still occur. The
earlier it is detected, however, the swifter we can help you take action to
stop it. Be alert and take immediate action to the following:
Bills that do not arrive as expected
Unexpected credit cards or account statements
Denials of credit for no apparent reason
Calls or letters about purchases you didnt make
Take advantage of free annual credit reports: Credit reports contain
information about what accounts you have and your bill paying history. Free copies are required by law from the major nationwide
consumer reporting companiesEquifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three
companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write:
Annual Credit Report Request Service,
Review your financial and billing
statements regularly and look for charges you did not make.
Keep a list of all your credit card
numbers and phone numbers in case of theft, and notify each card issuer immediately
if theft occurs.
Detect: Online Banking Security
Take advantage of online tools we have
that automatically protect you, including:
Balance Alerts
Check Clear Alerts
Payment Alerts
Online Statements
Account History
CORRECT
Correct: General Online Security
Close any accounts that have been
tampered with or established fraudulently.
Call the security or fraud departments
of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay.
Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
Ask for verification that the disputed
account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
Keep copies of documents and records of
your conversations about the theft.
File a police report. File a report
with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of
the crime.
REPORT
Report: General Online Security
Report the theft to the Federal Trade
Commission. Filing a report helps law enforcement officials across the country
in their investigations:
- Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
- By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or
TTY, 1-866-653-4261
- By mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
Report: Online Banking Security
Always report theft and fraudulent
activity to your financial institution, no matter if you are a victim or
suspect the activity.