Identity Theft – Protect Yourself
Rockford Bank & Trust takes many security precautions to protect your
account information and keep it safe from unauthorized use. Unfortunately,
identity theft is a growing problem and can take weeks or months to discover.
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information to
establish credit or borrow money in your name. Fortunately you can protect
yourself. Here are a few tips that will minimize your risk from becoming a
victim.
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Before you give out any personal information over the phone, through mail or
over the internet, make sure you have either initiated contact or know and
trust the person you are giving the information to. Notify Rockford Bank &
Trust if you have ever received a suspicious phone inquiry such as asking for
account information to “verify a statement” or “award a prize.”
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Protect your social security number as often as possible. Store it in a safe
place at home. Do not carry it around with you. When asked for your social
security number, only give it out when necessary.
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When choosing passwords for credit card and ATM cards, try not to use
information such as your birth date, mother’s maiden name, or phone number.
Avoid using any information that is easily attainable. It is also important to
protect your ATM Personal Identification Number (PIN) and ATM receipts.
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Monitor your accounts online regularly to detect fraud earlier than paper
statements. If something seems unusual, please contact Rockford Bank &
Trust to discuss the issue.
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Regularly check your credit report. You may not know when your identity is
stolen until you review your file and make certain the information is correct.
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Credit Reporting Bureaus |
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Equifax (www.equifax.com) |
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Place a fraud
alert: 1.888.766.0008 |
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Order a credit
report: 1.800.685.1111
|
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Experian (www.experian.com)
|
|
Place a fraud
alert: 1.888.397.3742 |
|
Order a credit
report: 1.888.397.3742 |
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TransUnion (www.transunion.com)
|
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Place a fraud
alert: 1.800.680.7289
|
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Order a credit
report: 1.800.888.4213
|
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Copies of financial solicitations, bank statements, credit card statements,
insurance forms, or any type of receipts should be shredded instead of just
being thrown away.
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Report lost or stolen checks immediately.