Protecting Your Good Name
What do you do when a thief steals more than your wallet?

Identity theft, true name fraud, or account take-over -- no matter what you call it -- is on the rise and IDS, your partner in technology success, wants you to be aware of what you can do to protect your good name.

How can you determine if you have become a victim of Identity Theft?

Contact the major credit-reporting agencies, at least annually, to review your file and confirm that there were no unauthorized credit inquiries made against your name.

The major credit reporting companies are:

Equifax: 800-685-1111
Experian: 888-397-3742
TransUnion: 800-836-8761

What can you do if you become a victim of Identity Theft?

If you become a victim, contact the fraud division of the credit reporting companies and request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file. Ask that no new credit be granted without your approval.

Fraud Divisions for the major credit reporting agencies are:

Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experian: 888-397-3742
TransUnion: 800-680-7289

Who do you contact for help with Identity Theft?

Notify your local bank branch and any other grantors of credit of the fraud, then file a police report. Also, report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) toll free at 877-438-4338 or TDD: 202-326-2502. The FTC is the clearinghouse for identity theft complaints. They provide information to help resolve financial problems that result from identity theft.

Remember to keep detailed records of all events once you ascertain that your identity has been stolen. Include names, telephone numbers, and the date and time you made contact with individuals or companies requesting assistance in recovering your good name.

Think you’re safe from Identity Theft, also called True Name Fraud?

This is a real crime that occurs when a perpetrator steals personal and financial information or your Social Security Number and assumes your identity. Posing as you, he or she can empty your bank account(s) or incur large debts using your name. The danger of having your good name and credit destroyed is very real.

Here are some things you can do to safeguard your finances and good name:

• Don't give out financial information or your Social Security Number over the telephone unless you initiated the call and you know with whom you are dealing. Remember that it could be a stranger claiming to be from your bank.
  
  
• Report lost or stolen checks immediately, so your bank can stop payment on the checks. Always, examine your new check order to make sure that all checks are in the order.
  
  
• Contact your local bank branch to verify that your new check order was shipped if it does not arrive within 21 calendar days of placing the order.
  
  
• Protect your new, current, and canceled checks; always store them in a safe place.
  
  
• Contact your local bank branch and speak with your Relationship Banker about any telephone inquiries, such as those asking you to confirm or verify account information or verify a statement.
  
  
• Safeguard your ATM Personal Identification Number (PIN). All passwords and account numbers should always be safeguarded.
  
  
• Shred any financial statements, documents, or bank statements, including credit card bills, prior to disposing of them.
  
  
• Put outgoing mail, such as bill and credit card payments, in a secure, official U.S. Postal Service collection box.
  
  
• Contact creditors if your regular monthly or quarterly bills do not reach you. Your billing statements contain valuable information.
  
  
• Reconcile monthly and quarterly checking account statements immediately to assure your account activity is correct. Contact your local bank branch if any discrepancy is discovered.
  
  
• Never leave your checkbook, wallet, or other personal information unprotected even when you're at home. Workmen, contract labor you may engage, or others that enter your house should not be able to gain access to your personal or financial information.
  
  
• Never carry important documents such as Social Security cards, passports, or birth certificates in your purse or wallet. Carry only the personal identification that you actually need.