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Insite National Bank

Identity Theft

Identity theft has become a major concern for banking customers. Please find all the answers to your questions by visiting the Better Business Bureau.

Help protect yourself from Identity Theft by practicing these 10 steps:

1. Destroy private records or statements you don't need: Destroy these documents by using a cross-cut shredder. Credit card statements, solicitations and other documents that may contain private information.

2. Secure your mail: Empty your mailbox quickly when it is delivered or obtain a PO Box so criminals don't have a chance to obtain "pre-approved" credit card applications. Never mail outgoing bill payments that contain checks. These documents can be erased by using certain solvents and the payee name changed. Mail them from your local post office or in another secure location.

3. Safeguard your social Security Number: Never put your social security number on your checks and never carry cards that may have your number on them. (i.e... insurance or health cards) In the wrong hands this information can be used to obtain your credit report and other private information without your knowledge.

4. Don't leave a paper trail: When visiting gas stations, or ATM's, never leave your receipts behind. Take them with you and shred them.

5. Try not to leave your credit card out of your sight: Restaurant employees have been known to "skim" your number using a very small recording device and then sell them on the street for prices up to $50.00 per card. If in doubt, pay with cash.

6. Know who you are dealing with: Normally someone who is trying to steal your information will be the first person contacting you. Make no response other than asking who they are, what company they represent and the reason for the call. A simple tool to try is searching the phone number provided by using Google . If you feel the communications is legitimate, ensure you research the company completely and contact them directly yourself. Confirm with them what you were told before giving them any information.

7. Take your name off the "hit list". Use the "Do Not Call Registry by dialing 888-382-1222. If you receive any credit card solicitations, contact the institution and "opt-out" of their mailing lists.

8. Ask more questions when using your private information: When using your social security number for legitimate use, ask your representative if providing your social security number or drivers’ license is absolutely necessary. At most locations it is voluntary, especially at food restaurants. Ask for management’s assistance if the clerk is pressuring you for your information.

9. Monitor your credit report: Receive a copy of your credit report at least annually. This annual report is provided to you at no cost and will allow you to check for bad or misleading information. If you notice something on your report, notify one of the three top credit reporting agencies immediately. If you are unsure if your information has been compromised or not, use a fee based service to monitor your reports. This service will alert you when a change has taken place on your credit report.

10. Always review your credit card statements carefully: Make sure you recognize the location, business, and purchase before completing the transaction. Consider closing accounts for those credit cards you are not using.

If something goes wrong:

Protecting yourself from identity theft is no sure thing, however, there is plenty you can do if you suspect you are a victim:

First, contact the fraud departments from ONE of the three major credit bureaus. (They will in-turn notify the other two agencies.) Tell them that you're an identity theft victim and request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, along with a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts.

Equifax
To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285
and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian
To report fraud: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
and write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289
and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634

  • Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor, and follow up with a letter.
  • File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the police report in case the bank, credit-card company or others need proof of the crime.
  • Keep records of everything involved in your efforts to clear up fraud, including copies of written correspondence and records of telephone calls.

NOTE: Information on this page is INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY. Cedar Security Bank is not responsible for any errors or problems that may occur when using the supplied information. Any links directing you to other third party websites, which could contain patches, updates or any other file or program downloads, are not supported by Cedar Security Bank. All downloads, of any kind, regardless of source, are at your own risk. Please seek local computer consulting services in your area if you have additional questions or concerns downloading third party software not affiliated with Cedar Security Bank. Thank you.