FDIC "Identity Theft" Multimedia Presentation
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has produced an excellent multimedia presentation addressing identity theft. The presentation proceeds from an introduction to identity theft to practical steps for protecting your information and your computer. It also provides useful information should you become a victim. In addition to being difficult and expensive to resolve, Identity Theft can ruin a solid credit rating. We suggest you take the following precautions to protect your account information and help prevent becoming a victim of Identity Theft.
Review Account Statements on a timely basis for unauthorized transactions. As a rule, any disputed transaction must be reported in writing within 60 days from the transaction date. Inquire about statements that are late. Consider reviewing your credit report on a periodic basis.
Shred Confidential Information including pre-approved credit card offers, receipts and anything that has your name and an account number on it.
Opt out of pre-screened credit offers by calling 1-888-567-8688.
Write to: DMA Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008 to have your name removed from national direct mail lists. Be sure to include your name and address.
Ask not to receive telephone solicitations from national marketers by writing DMA Telephone Preference Service, P. O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014. Include your name, address and telephone number.
Protect Account Information with these easy steps:
Do not write your social security number or credit card account number on a check.
- Do not write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your ATM card
- Cover your hand when entering at an ATM.
- Never provide information over the telephone unless you initiated the call.
- Drop bill payments in a locked post office drop box.
- Do not let mail accumulate in a curbside mailbox.
- Keep Important Documents in a Safe Place.Make a copy of everything in your wallet and keep a list of your account information and customer service telephone numbers in a safe place. Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
- Confirm electronic encryption or other security devices on Internet sites before releasing confidential information.
In the event you believe your identity has been stolen:
Immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission,
1-877-ID THEFT (438-4338)
Consumer Response Center, F.T.C.
600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20580
Contact the three credit reporting agencies to put your name on Fraud Alert and request a copy of your credit report:
Equifax P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250
Or call 800-525-6285
Experian P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013
Or call 888-397-3742
TransUnion P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
Or call 800-680-7289
- Cancel all accounts that have fraudulent activity, or are at risk
- Contact your local law enforcement agency.
- If you know or suspect that your mail has been stolen, contact the U.S. Postal Service.
- To obtain a new social security number, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
- Keep detailed records of any Identity Theft and your efforts to resolve it:
- Log the date, time and amount of an unauthorized activity on your accounts.
- Log the date, time and cost of any mailing and keep copies.
