Identity Theft is a fast-growing crime across the country affecting people of all classes and walks of life. We are committed to protecting our customers and our community, so we hope you read this vital information to find out how to avoid becoming a victim of this crime.

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?

Identity Theft is an illegal means of securing an unsuspecting individual’s personal or financial information with the intent of assuming their identity to make transactions or purchases. Identity Theft is a continually increasing crime that collects victims every day, from all ages, and from different income levels. Statistics provided by the Federal Trade Commission indicate that in 2006, North Carolina exceeded the national average of all other states for identity theft. It is our goal to educate you, our customer, and assist you from becoming this crime’s next victim. If you feel that you are an unlikely target for identity theft, you might want to think again.

HOW DO THEY GET MY INFORMATION?

There are many different methods that a thief uses to obtain your personal information. This is a list of some of the methods currently being used, but is not all inclusive:
1. Phishing: Pronounced “fishing”, this is an e-mail scam where someone pretends to be from a bank or retail establishment in an attempt to steal your social security number, credit card numbers, user IDs, and passwords.
2. Vishing: This is a form of phishing, except in this case, the unsuspecting consumer is provided with a telephone number to call in an attempt to obtain personal information.
3. Skimming: Thieves use a special device when processing your debit or credit transaction to illegally obtain your card number.
4. Pretext calling: In this case, scam artists attempt to obtain your personal information from your bank or other retail establishment under false pretenses.
5. Dumpster diving: This is when your discarded trash is rummaged through with the intent of obtaining personal information, credit card numbers, or non-destroyed credit offers for illegal use.
6. Physical theft: This is perhaps the most common means of Identity Theft; stolen or lost wallets and purses contain some of the most critical information such as name, address, phone numbers, debit/credit cards, social security cards, passports, and birth certificates.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT THAT I’M A VICTIM?

If you suspect misuse of your personal information to commit fraud, take action immediately. Keep a record of all conversations and correspondence when you take the following suggested steps.

1. Contact your financial institution(s) and Credit Card issuers immediately to prevent further exposure to your accounts.
2. Contact check verification companies or the bank to request that they notify retailers using their databases not to accept stolen checks.
3. File a police report with your local police department.
4. Contact the three major credit bureaus and request a copy of your credit report.
5. Check your mailbox for stolen mail. If you suspect mail has been stolen, notify your local post office and police department.
6. Maintain a written chronological list of what has happened, what was lost and the steps you took to report the incident to the various agencies, financial institutions and the firms impacted.
7. Contact the Federal Trade Commission to notify their agency of the identity theft incident.

WHERE CAN I GET ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT FILING A CLAIM?

Visit the Federal Trade Commission's website for more information about Identity Theft, including:

• Answers to commonly asked questions
• Instructions on who to contact
• Forms for filing a claim
• Credit Reporting Agency contact information
• Helpful guidance in preventing identity theft
• Tips on how to monitor your credit record

You can also find up-to-date information about your individual rights as a consumer from the FTC here.

WHAT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FOR MY BUSINESS?

Businesses are just as susceptible to identity theft as individuals, and are required to notify individuals and businesses alike of any personal information breaches that have occurred. Visit the FTC's identity theft website for businesses for more information.

By Jane Long, Executive Vice President and CEO of Roxboro Savings Bank

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