We want to make sure our customers are aware of the dangers of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when criminals find a way to steal your personal or other identifying information to access your accounts, open new accounts, apply for credit in your name, make purchases, and commit other fraud related crimes.  You often don't know you've become a victim until fraudulent activity shows up in your bills, bad credit reports, and more.

It is recommended that you review your credit report annually. You can do so by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com to order an annual free credit report.

The best defense against identity theft is knowledge. The following tips and information will help you prevent identity theft:

Prevention

• Use passwords on all accounts and your PC that are difficult to guess – and DO NOT use the same password for everything. Don’t use passwords that relate to family names, birth dates, SSN, addresses, or your job.
• Do not keep passwords with you and DO NOT write them on debit or ATM cards.
• Be careful what you throw away. Take the time to shred any documents containing private or personal information.
• Carry only the identification and bank/credit cards that you actually need.
• Review your monthly statements promptly and carefully, immediately report anything that is questionable.
• If your bill or new card does not arrive on time, contact the appropriate company immediately.
• Beware of solicitors - do not give out information unless you have initiated the contact.
• Do not leave outgoing mail in your mailbox and collect your incoming mail daily.
• Also, for your own security please DO NOT share your online banking ID and or password with anyone.

What to do if You Become a Victim

• Contact the fraud department of each of the three major credit bureaus.
• Contact the creditors or bank for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
• File a report with your local police or the community where the identity theft took place.

Contact Information

Equifax

• To order your credit report: 800-685-1111
• To report fraud: 800-525-6285

Experian

• To order your credit report: 888-397-3742
• To report fraud: 888-397-3742

TransUnion

• To order your credit report: 800-916-8800
• To report fraud: 800-680-7289

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 877-438-4338