Identity Theft Resources

Protect yourself against identity theft

It’s about peace of mind
Today's information explosion and easy credit access have unfortunately left many American consumers vulnerable to identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States today, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Identity thieves obtain personal information (names, birth dates, Social Security and driver’s license numbers, etc.) from unknowing victims, stealing their identities to access credit, products and services. The end result can be devastating, leaving the victim’s good name and credit history in shambles.

Identity Theft Protection
Identity Theft Protection is a program that provides convenience, value and protection to you and your family with access to the following benefits:

Identity Theft Insurance with Fraud Assistance – provides up to $10,000 in coverage for expenses you incur as a result of having your identity stolen. Also provides assistance in restoring your credit and good name

Credit Alert® – A 24-hour credit monitoring service that provides you with notification of certain negative changes to your credit as well as quarterly “no activity” notices when nothing has changed.

Payment Card Protection – protects all your credit, debit, ATM and check cards in the event of theft or loss.

For more information about Identity Theft Protection or to sign up, click here!

Tips
Contacts

Guard your personal information. Do not include your driver’s license or Social Security number on your checks. Never give out your Social Security number to any business or individual unless it’s absolutely necessary. When asked for ID, offer other types of personal identifiers such as a picture ID.

Limit the type and amount of identification information you carry. Don’t keep your Social Security card in your wallet, purse or briefcase. Carry fewer credit cards, if possible. For information about Social Security Theft and Prevention, click here.

Use a locked mailbox to send or receive mail. Better yet, deposit outgoing mail (particularly bill payments) at your local post office. Remember to promptly remove incoming mail from your mailbox. Report any mail fraud to your local postmaster.

Carefully destroy all papers before you throw them out. A crosscut paper shredder works best to make sure any papers with sensitive or personal identifying information (including pre-approval credit card offers) are thoroughly destroyed.

Pay attention to billing cycles. If your bills don't arrive on time, follow up with your creditors to find out why. Contact OnPoint immediately if the billing company hasn’t received your check payment.

Order your credit reports annually to review their accuracy. Contact the following three credit reporting agencies to make sure each of their reports lists only those activities you've authorized:

TransUnion: 800.888.4213 (www.tuc.com)
Experian: 888.EXPERIAN (www.experian.com)
Equifax: 800.685.1111 (www.equifax.com)

Be wary of telephone solicitations and Internet account update requests. Never provide information unless you have initiated the call. For more information about phone fraud, click here. If you receive any e-mail requests to re-enter your credit card information to keep your Internet account active, the FTC advises you to contact your Internet Service Provider directly to make sure this is not a scam.

Need more information?
To learn more about identity theft and what you can do if you become a victim of this crime, you can visit the following sites for more information:

Identity Theft Resource Center

U.S. Government Identity Theft

OnGuard Online