Identity Theft Prevention

When it comes to identity theft prevention, you have support.

Together, we can work toward keeping your personal information secure. We understand the stress that comes when your information is compromised, so you can trust us to answer questions and help guide you along the way.

Identity Theft

Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone’s identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and mother’s maiden name, in order to impersonate them. A thief can commit numerous forms of fraud using this information, including taking over the victim’s financial accounts, opening new bank accounts, purchasing automobiles, applying for loans, credit cards, and Social Security benefits, renting apartments, and establishing services with utility and phone companies.

If you believe your identity has been stolen, take these steps immediately:

1. Contact all creditors, by phone and/or in writing, to inform them of the problem or potential problem.
2. Report the theft to your local police department or the town the theft occurred in. Ask for a copy of the report.
3. Call each of the three credit bureaus’ fraud units (information below) to report identity theft. Ask to have a “Fraud Alert/Victim Impact” statement placed in your credit file asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts.
4. Alert your financial institutions to flag your accounts and to contact you to confirm any unusual activity.
5. Contact the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 1.800.269.0271.
6. Contact the state office of the Department of Motor Vehicles to see if another license was issued in your name. If so, request a new license number and fill out the DMV’s complaint form to begin the fraud investigation process.
7. Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1.877.IDTHEFT to report the problem. Also, there are helpful forms and letters to help you on their web site at www.consumer.gov.