How to Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft is a problem more consumers think about more today with the increased use of Internet Banking, online purchases, and debit cards. With the increased use of electronics and technology, Internet Banking can actually help you prevent identity theft.

A recent study by the Business Bureau shows that the average loss from identity theft from a consumer using Internet Banking was $511. The average loss from a consumer relying only on paper statements was $4,543. By reviewing your account transactions throughout the month, instead of waiting on monthly statements, you can take an active stance to prevent identity theft from happening to you.

Bank of Putnam County is now offering e- statements. You can sign up for e-statements by filling out the application after you login to your Internet Banking account. If you have any questions, please contact a BPCrepresentative.

• Do not give out account information over the phone unless you initiate the phone call. If a Bank representative calls you, you can call the representative back at 931-528-5441.
• Review your account transactions throughout the month, and look at your statement monthly for unauthorized transactions. Contact the Bank immediately to report suspicious transactions on your bank account.
• Convert your monthly statements from paper to electronic to decrease identity theft through the mail.
• Do not choose pin numbers associated with personal information such as birth dates or anniversaries.
• Change your Internet Banking passwords regularly. You will be prompted every 90 days to change your Internet Banking password.
• Use the Secure Message Center using your Internet Banking to contact the Bank concerning confidential matters instead of sending email.

If You Suspect You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

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Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, you should do the following:

• Report the theft to the four major credit reporting agencies:

Equifax PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA (800) 685-1111

Experian PO Box 2002 Allen, TX (888) 397-3742

Trans Union PO Box 1000 Chester, PA (800) 888-4213

Telecheck PO Box 4451 Houston, TX (800) 710-9898

• Request that they place a fraud alert and a victim’s statement in your file.
• Request a FREE copy of your credit report to check whether any accounts were opened without your consent.
• Request that the agencies remove inquiries and/or fraudulent accounts stemming from the theft
• Notify your bank(s) and ask them to flag your account.
• Contact your local police department to file a criminal report.
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report fraud at 1-877-IDTHEFT