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Tools to Prevent Identity Theft
The number of Americans who have experienced identity theft has surpassed 27 million, with the incidence rate increasing every year. Substantial measures are in place at FBTET to protect your identity and your accounts against theft and fraud.
For example, stringent bank privacy policies protect your personal and financial information. Password protection for online transactions help assure online security. When using our online services, you develop a secret password that only you know. Encryption of online transactions with your bank converts your information into secure code, protecting you against hackers.
Maximum security is possible only with your help. Here’s what you can do to stop these crimes before they happen:
- Do not give out financial information such as checking and credit card numbers, or your Social Security number, unless you know the person or organization.
- Report lost or stolen checks immediately. Your bank will block payment on them.
- Notify your banker of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for account information to "verify a statement" or "award a prize."
- Closely guard your ATM personal identification number and ATM receipts.
- Shred any financial solicitations and bank statements before disposing of them.
- Put outgoing mail into a secure, official Postal Service collection box.
- If regular bills fail to reach you, call the company to find out why.
- If your bills include questionable items, don’t ignore them. Instead, investigate immediately to head off any possible fraud.
- Periodically contact the major credit reporting companies to review your file and make certain the information is correct.
The bottom line: If you have any questions or concerns about protecting your financial identity, come in and visit your banker.
Credit Reporting Bureaus
Equifax
To place a fraud alert: ………… 1-888-766-0008
To order a credit report: ……… 1-800-685-1111
Experian
To place a fraud alert: …………1-888-397-3742
To order a credit report: ……… 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion
To place a fraud alert: ………… 1-800-680-7289
To order a credit report: ……… 1-800-888-4213
How to obtain a free credit report
Contact www.annualcreditreport.com or call (877) 322-8228
ATM Safety
Always observe the ATM surroundings before conducting a transaction.
If anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, leave the area at once. If you drive to the ATM, park as close as possible to the terminal. Observe the entire area from the safety of your car before getting out.
If the ATM is obstructed from your view or poorly lit, go to another ATM.
If possible, report the problem to the ATM operator or the FBTET Branch nearest you.
It is a good idea to take another person with you when using an ATM, especially at night.
Minimize the time spent at the ATM when conducting a transaction.
Have your card out and ready to use. Do not allow a stranger to assist you in making a transaction, even if you have trouble or your card gets stuck. When your transaction is complete, put your card, money and receipt away and immediately leave the area. Never count your money while at the ATM.
Block the view of others when using the ATM.
Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal. Shield the keypad as necessary when entering your PIN and transaction amount.
If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave the area at once.
If anyone follows you, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
Look for possible fraudulent devices attached to the ATM.
If the ATM appears to have any attachments or alterations to the card slot or keypad, do not use the ATM. If possible, report the problem to the ATM operator or the FBTET Branch nearest you.
Drive-Up ATM Safety
- Keep your doors locked, windows up and engine running when in line at a drive-up ATM
- Always leave enough room between vehicles to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary
- Before rolling down the window to use an ATM, observe the entire area
- Minimize the time spent at the ATM
- If anyone or anything appears suspicious, cancel your transaction and drive away at once.
- If anyone follows you after making an ATM transaction, drive immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
Fraud Detection System used by FBTET
Fraud Detection/Monitoring Services provides a peace of mind. First Bank & Trust uses PRISM a neural network to monitor:
- Transactions, applying a score that can identify fraud quickly and accurately
- Emerging fraud schemes sooner due to quick neural model updates
- Suspicious behavior identified more easily as authorizations are matched against a set of defined conditions
It's peace of mind for you, the consumer, to know we've taken measures to help protect your money.
If you think you may be the victim of any form of financial fraud or identity theft, notify the proper authorities immediately. Report all phishing attacks to:
FBI: www.fbi.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.com
Federal Trade Commission: forward all potentially fraudulent e-mail to: spam@uce.gov
Report violations of your personal information and debit or credit card theft to your local branch office and to the three major credit bureaus:
Experian - 888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
Equifax - 800-525-6285 or www.equifax.com
TransUnion - 800-680-7289 or www.transunion.com | |
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