Identity Theft Protection

Protect yourself from Identity Theft

According to the Federal Trade Commission, as many as nine million Americans become victims of identity theft each year. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to establish credit, charge items or borrow money using your name.

To protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft, please follow these steps:

  • Destroy unused credit card offers and other documents containing your personal information before discarding them.
  • Guard your Social Security number
  • Never give out your Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your credit, debit or ATM card(s). Don’t write on or keep your PINs with your cards. You should also guard your ATM and credit card receipts as they can be used to access your accounts.
  • Don’t release information to people you do not know, especially over the phone or Internet
  • Don’t pre-print your driver’s license, telephone or Social Security numbers on your checks
  • Review bank statements for accuracy
  • Report lost or stolen checks immediately. Independent Bank will block payment on the check numbers involved.
  • Make sure the Internet sites where you shop are secure. You can verify that a site is secure by looking for a padlock icon in the address line, an “s” after the http in the Web site address (https://), or checking the properties of the website to verify the URL address is the same.
  • Obtain a free copy of your credit report annually by contacting: AnnualCreditReport.com
    P.O. Box 105281
    Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
    877.322.8228

If you become a victim:

  • Contact your bank and all others with whom you have a financial relationship
  • File a police report if you have a loss
  • Report the fraud to the major credit bureaus:
    • Equifax: 800.525.6285
    • Experian: 800.397.3742
    • Trans Union: 800.680.7289
  • For additional help, call the Federal Trade Commission at 877.ID-THEFT or visit consumer.gov/idtheft.