How can someone steal your identity? 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.
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend month or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. For more information, you can go to www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
protecting yourself from identity theft
- Safeguard your financial information such as checking and credit card numbers, and your Social Security Number. Unless you know the person or organization you're dealing with, don't give it out, even to someone claiming to be from McClain Bank.
- Report lost or stolen checks immediately. Review new deliveries of checks to make sure none have been stolen in transit.
- Notify your bank of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for account information to "verify a statement" or "award a prize."
- Shred financial solicitations or financial statements before disposing of them.
- Deposit your mail into a secure, official Postal Service collection box.
- 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 mail and steal your identity.
- If your bills include questionable items, investigate immediately. This is often the first sign of identity theft fraud.
- Avoid Phishing Scams. Never reply directly or click on a link in response to an email that asks for personal or financial information. If you are concerned about your account, contact the company or institution via a web site you know to be genuine. Remember - McClain Bank will never contact you "out of the blue" to ask for personal financial information.
Measures McClain Bank Takes
Substantial measures are in place at McClain Bank to protect your identity against theft and fraud:
- Privacy Policies - Our privacy policy protects your personal and financial information. These policies are stringent and enforced, with employee training provided regularly.
- Internal Confidentiality - Access to nonpublic information about you is limited to employees who need to know that information to provide you with products and services.
- Information Security - Keeping your financial information secure is one of our most important responsibilities. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect customer information.
For more information on the prevention of Identity Theft visit:
- www.FTC.gov and click on "Consumer Protection"
- OR CALL 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Free credit reports
Consumers are now entitled to a free copy of their credit report annually. To obtain this you can contact one of the three major credit-reporting agencies:
or, you may visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call (877) 322-8228 or write:
- Annual Credit Report Request Service
PO Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281