Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when your personal information is stolen and used without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Thieves today use the internet, telephones...even your discarded trash....as the weapons they employ to steal your identity and create financial havoc that could turn your life upside down for years to come.

It’s safe to say that you don’t want to become a victim of ID theft. That’s why First Southern State Bank has created this easy-reference guide to help you:

  • Avoid Identity Theft
  • Recognize Identity Theft
  • Recover should you become a victim of Identity Theft

How To Avoid Identity Theft

  • Protect your Social Security number.  Only carry it when absolutely necessary, keeping it stored in a safe and secure place.
  • Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.
  • NEVER give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
  • Shred sensitive documents to help protect your information.
  • Check your credit reports annually.  The law requires the major consumer reporting companies to give you a free copy of your credit report each year at your request.  Contact www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 for your free report.
  • Secure your activities in cyberspace by using strong passwords, anti-virus software and your cybersmarts when shopping, sharing and searching online.
  • Make efforts to reduce the number of spam e-mails and telemarketing calls to avoid potential online/telephone scams.
  • Open all bank statements immediately upon receipt and review them closely, looking for any suspicious transactions.
  • Contact your institution if your bank or credit account statements do not arrive on time.
  • Open all credit account statements immediately upon receipt and review them closely for unauthorized transactions.
  • Review your medical and insurance documents.
  • Stay updated on the latest data breaches at large, national companies
  • Secure your mail.  Use a locked mailbox or remove delivered mail promptly.
  • Shred unsolicited credit card applications and old documents.
  • Do not respond to spam emails.
  • Use online banking apps.
  • Keep your computer or smart phone operating systems up to date.
  • Only use secure Wi-Fi connections in trusted locations.
  • File your taxes early.

Follow First Southern State Bank on FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter for active fraud alerts!

How to recognize Identity Theft

  • You notice unexplained withdrawals or deposits in your bank account(s).
  • You don’t receive your bills or other mail.
  • Merchants refuse your checks.
  • You receive calls from debt collectors for debts that are not yours.
  • Medical providers bill you for services you did not use.
  • Your health plan refuses your legitimate bills because their records show that you have received your benefits limit.
  • The IRS notifies you that a tax return has been filed in your name, or you have income from an employer that you have not worked for.
  • The IRS notifies you that a tax refund was already issued to you and you haven’t even filed your taxes yet.
  • You receive notice that your information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account.
  • You are arrested for a crime someone else allegedly committed in your name.

If you suspect Identity Theft

Follow these steps to take action immediately.

  • File a police report.
  • Make notes of each conversation you have and include the date, time and name of the person to whom you spoke.
  • Keep records of all correspondence.
  • Contact your creditors.
  • Contact the bank at 256-437-2176 and speak with a Customer Service Representative in Bookkeeping.
  • File a complaint with the FTC by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
  • Call the Social Security Fraud line at 1-800-269-0271
  • Obtain a copy of your credit report.  Contact www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 for your free report. The law requires the major consumer reporting companies to give you a free copy of your credit report each year at your request.
  • Place a Fraud Alert on your credit reports with all three Bureaus. (Initial alert for 90 days – Extended alert for 7 years)
  • Change all of your online IDs, passwords, and PINs.
  • Ask for and receive verification that accounts affected have been closed and that any debts resulting from fraud have been discharged.

For more information, call 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft

If your credit cards or checks are stolen

Follow these steps to take action immediately.

  • File a police report.
  • Keep records of all documents, correspondence, and notes of  your conversations about the theft.

If your credit cards are stolen...

  • Cancel your impacted credit card(s).
  • Contact the bank at 256-437-2176 and speak with a Customer Service Representative in Bookkeeping.
  • Place a Fraud Alert on your credit reports with all three Bureaus. (Initial alert for 90 days – Extended alert for 7 years)

If your checks are stolen...

  • Contact the bank at 256-437-2176 and speak with a Customer Service Representative in Bookkeeping.
  • Close your impacted account(s).
  • Contact Major Check Verification Companies
    • Certergy: 1-800-437-5120
    • TeleCheck: 1-800-366-2425

If your information is lost or stolen, but accounts don't show problems

  • Obtain a copy of your credit report.  Contact www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 for your free report.  The law requires the major consumer reporting companies to give you a free copy of your credit report each year at your request.
  • Use a credit monitoring service to watch for unusual activity.