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Identity Theft

Understanding how it can happen… learning how to protect yourself.

Identity theft and account fraud are making big headlines. They happen when someone steals personal information such as your bank account number or Social Security number and then poses as you, either cleaning out your account or running up debt in your name or both. The threat is real and the government estimates 400,000 people are victimized by these crimes each year.

First East Side Savings Bank works hard every day to ward off these threats, but maximum security is possible only with your help. Here's what you can do to stop these crimes before they happen-and to protect your assets and good name:

Ten Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

  • Do not give out financial information such as checking and credit card numbers-and especially your Social Security number-on the phone unless you initiated the call and you know the person or organization you are dealing with. Do not give any information to any stranger.
  • Report lost or stolen checks immediately. First East Side Savings Bank will block payment on the check number(s) involved. Also, review new deliveries of checks to make sure none have been stolen in transit.
  • Store cancelled checks-and new checks-in a safe place.
  • Notify your banker of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for your account information to "verify a statement" or "award a prize."
  • Guard your ATM Personal Identification Number and ATM receipts. Thieves can use them to access your accounts.
  • Do not throw away financial solicitations that arrive in your mailbox. Tear them up so thieves cannot use them to assume your identity. Tear up or shred any other financial documents such as bank statements or invoices before disposing of them.
  • Do not put outgoing mail in or on your mailbox. Drop it into a secure, official Postal Service collection box. Thieves may use your mail to steal your identity.
  • If regular bills fail to reach you, call the company to find out why. Someone may have filed a false change-of-address notice to divert your information to his or her address.
  • If your bills include suspicious items, do not ignore them. Instead investigate immediately to head off any possible fraud before it occurs.
  • Periodically contact major credit reporting companies to review your file and make certain the information is correct. For a small fee, you can obtain a copy of your credit report at any time. You are entitled to one free copy per year. The three major credit bureaus are:

Equifax 1-800-685-1111

Experian 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion 1-800-916-8800

Together, you and First East Side Savings Bank can head off identity theft and account fraud before they ever happen.