Identity theft is a growing concern that has the potential to affect each of us if we are not constantly on our guard. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), our nation’s consumer protection agency, two million complaints were filed in 2013, 14% of which were related to identity theft. It is important to understand what identity theft is, what measures you can take to safeguard your personal information, and also to have a plan in place should you become a victim.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is the unauthorized taking of someone’s personal information (e.g. social security number, bank account information, credit/debit card numbers) usually for the purpose of stealing money or obtaining credit. Identity theft can be costly and cause serious damage to a person’s credit history.
What measures can I take to prevent identity theft?
· Protect your important papers by locking them in a safe place and shredding documents that include personal identifying information
· Keep your Social Security Number, bank account information, etc. secure and never give out to anyone unless you initiate the contact
· Be aware of online scams and impersonators
· Protect your computers and mobile devices by making sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date and by not clicking on links or downloading files sent by someone unknown to you
A comprehensive publication by the FTC can be found at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0009-taking-charge.pdf
What steps should I take if I become a victim of identity theft?
If you believe that you may be a victim of identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov, the FTC’s online resource to assist identity theft victims through the recovery process. This site provides easy-to-use checklists and sample letters. In most cases your first step will be to contact your financial institution.
Stop in at your local HomeTown Bank office today and ask for an informational identity theft brochure.
