ID Theft Information
Tools
ID Theft Resources
Report the Theft to the Federal Trade Commission
Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
Online: www.ftc.gov/idtheft
By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261
By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
ID Theft Information
At City Bank & Trust Company we strive to provide quality service to you, whether you visit us online, by telephone, or in person at one of our branch locations. We are committed to the responsible use and protection of your consumer information. Our Privacy Policy outlines our commitment to protecting your privacy, regardless of your preferred banking method.
Identity Theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your identifying information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. 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 another person. This information enables numerous forms of fraud which include, but are not limited to, taking over the victim’s financial accounts, opening new bank accounts, applying for credit cards, and/or applying for loans. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
Are You a victim?
As soon as you know your identity has been stolen, call one of the three major credit reporting agencies. A fraud alert will be setup on your credit report which requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts. The three major credit reporting agencies and their toll-free numbers for reporting fraud are listed below.
Equifax
1-800-525-6285 (Fraud)
1-800-685-1111 (Credit Report)
www.equifax.com
Experian
1-888-397-3742 (Fraud)
1-888-397-3742 (Credit Report)
www.experian.com
TransUnion
1-800-680-7289 (Fraud)
1-800-888-4213 (Credit Report)
www.transunion.com
- Contact the Identity Theft Banking Officer immediately at (318)-357-3755 if you have become a victim of identity theft. It may be necessary to open a new banking account, order a new Debit Card, and/or change passwords set-up to access account information.
– If you believe your Debit Card has been lost or stolen, please contact us immediately at (318)-357-3730 or you may also contact Visa directly during non-banking hours at 1-800-528-2273.
- File a police report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Keep a copy in case your creditors need proof of the crime.
- Call the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271 if your Social Security number has been stolen.
- Call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if you suspect that a thief has used your mailing address to commit a crime. Call 888-877-7644 for the number of your local office.
- Call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-0433 if you believe your identification has been used in violation of tax laws.
ID Theft Methods
Mail Theft (Dumpster Diving)
This occurs when someone looks through the trash for bills or other paper that includes your identifying information (i.e. bank statements, pre-approved credit cards, or personal checks) in order to take over your account and/or to open an account using your identifying information.
Old-Fashion Stealing
This occurs when someone steals another person wallet and/or purse to get any information to steal your identity (i.e. driver’s license/identification card, social security card, or credit/debit card). It is best to keep your Social Security card in a safe place and avoid carrying it with you.
Phishing/Vishing
This occurs when fictitious emails or phone call(s) are received claiming to come from a reputable company that you recognize and do business with, such as your financial institution, requesting your identifying information. City Bank would never request information such as confirmation of an account number, password, debit card number, or Social Security numbers through email or a phone call. If you happen to receive a phone call requesting such information, please ask whose speaking, hang up, and call the Bank back using the number listed in the directory.
Pharming
Pharming is a type of internet fraud. Pharming occurs when an attacker creates a fake web site on the Internet that looks like a valid site for a real company. In the case of a pharming attack, the DNS server would contain the wrong IP address and direct users to the fake web site controlled by the attacker. Once there, the individual is prompted to provide information that is then used by criminals to commit fraudulent activities.
Scam Checks
Scam checks is one method that has increased in the previous year. An individual usually receives the scam check through the mail which includes a letter informing the individual that they have won a “Prize”. The letters continues by requesting the individual to either deposit or cash the negotiable instrument and to forward a portion of the funds through an express service.
Card Skimming
Card skimming occurs when a magnetic strip on a debit/credit card is illegal copied. By copying the magnetic strip, it provides the details which will enable the account to be accessed by fraudulent person. In some cases, the scammer may create a fake or ‘cloned’ card to run up charges against cardholder(s) account.
Ways to Prevent ID Theft
Protect Your Passwords and PINs
Do not share your passwords and/or PINs with others. You also should not store your passwords and/or PINs on your computer. If you need to write down your passwords or PINs, store them in a secure, private place. You should change your passwords and PINs regularly and use a different password and PIN for each of your accounts. When setting up a password, its best practice to include numbers and letters or symbols.
Maintain Your Computer Security
Personal firewalls and security software packages (with anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection features) are recommended for those who engage in online transactions in order to protect your identity.
Don’t Respond to Emails/Phone Calls Requesting Personal Information
City Bank will not ask you to provide or verify sensitive information through email/phone call. City Bank will not request for your identifying information, because all your identifying information is already on file. It is best practice to call the bank yourself- using the number in the phone book or on your statement when asked to provided identifying information.
Read Your Statements
Read all your monthly accounts statements thoroughly to make sure that all transaction is authorized by the accountholder(s). Be sure that City Bank has current contact information on you, including your mailing address, telephone number, and email address. If you see an error on your statement or do not receive a statement, contact City Bank Bookkeeping department at 318-357-3719.
Secure Your Confidential Documents
Keep all your financial documents in a secure place and be careful how you dispose documents from City Bank or other confidential information. Documents from City Bank and other companies that include your identifying information or account information should be shredded.
Safeguard Your Social Security Number
Do not use your Social Security number as a username or password. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place and avoid carrying it with you. You should also be sure to safeguard the social security numbers of any dependents.
A Periodic “Identity Theft” Check
Reviewing your credit report may alert you to inaccuracies and unauthorized activity. You can obtain a free credit report every 12 months from one of the three credit bureaus by contacting the Annual Credit Report Request Service at www.annualcreditreport.com. Be aware that you will have to disclose your Social Security number to obtain this report.