The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity Theft often occurs when someone steals your personal information (such as bank and credit card numbers, your Social Security number, name and address) to commit fraud or theft.
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.
Safeguard personal information from being stolen:
Use secure personal identification number (PIN) passwords and a secure Web browser. Do not use obvious passwords (birth date, mother’s maiden name, telephone, Social Security number, etc.). Review all statements upon receipt and shred any unnecessary documents which contain personal information. Do not store financial information on a laptop computer which can easily be stolen. 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.
If you are a victim of identity theft:
Contact Castle Bank and Trust Company at (203) 639-8866 if you feel your Castle Bank accounts have been affected. Contact each of your creditors to determine if there has been any unauthorized activity or any new accounts have been opened that are fraudulent. Keep records of communications. Immediately file a report with your local police department and keep a copy of the report in case your creditors request it. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online or call 1-877-IDTHEFT. Contact each of the three credit reporting agencies to have a fraud alert placed on your account; creditors will then be instructed to obtain your authorization before opening any new accounts.
For more information on Identity Theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-IDTHEFT or stop by any Castle Bank and Trust Company branch and ask for our brochure on Identity Theft.
