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How Can I Protect Myself from Identity Theft? |
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing types of financial fraud. Without
stealing your wallet, a crook can steal your financial identity with as little
information as your social security number.
Take these steps to protect yourself:
- Never give out your financial information such as your checking account number,
credit card numbers or your social security number to anyone over the phone,
unless you initiated the call.
- First Shore Federal will never email you to ask for sensitive information (for
example; your social security number, account number or password). Be aware
that e-mail scams exist, if you receive an e-mail that asks for this information,
please contact us so that we are aware of these attempts.
- Avoid easy to figure out access and personal ID (PIN) codes. Guard your
passwords and do not share them with anyone. Cover your hand when you are
entering your PIN number at an ATM.
- Protect your account information. Don't write your personal identification
number (PIN) on your ATM or debit card. Don't write your social security number
or credit card number on a check.
- Some web browsers will ask if you want to store your password. Do not store
your Internet Banking passwords.
- Once you have completed your Internet Banking session, always logout of our
Internet Banking site by clicking on the "EXIT" link.
- Install an anti-virus program on your computer and keep the virus definition
files up to date.
- Review your bank statement in a timely manner. Report any suspicious
transactions immediately.
- Shred financial solicitations, ATM and credit card receipts or financial
statements before disposing of them.
- Report lost or stolen checks or ATM cards immediately. Review new deliveries of
checks to make sure none have been stolen in transit.
- When you pay your bills, don't put them in your mailbox with the red flag up.
Thieves may use your outgoing mail to steal your identity. Use a locked Postal
Service collection box or the post office.
- If your credit card or other bills fail to reach you, call the company to find
out why. Someone may have filed a false change of address notice to divert your
mail to his or her address.
- Get a copy of your credit report yearly and check it for accuracy.
- Learn about new ways to eliminate the use of paper checks...especially
electronic payment options available through First Shore Federal.
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