Identity Theft Prevention
Here’s what to know when it comes to identity theft.
Identity theft is a serious crime that can cripple your finances, negatively impact your personal life and create tremendous amounts of stress. The following information can help you identify threats and ward off identity theft.
Seven ways to fight identity theft
- Never provide personal financial information online or over the phone when you are contacted with an unsolicited request.
- If you believe the contact is legitimate, contact the financial institution yourself, using contact information that you have verified.
- Never provide your Online Banking login information over the phone or in response to an unsolicited online request.
- Review account statements regularly to ensure all transactions and charges are correct.
- Never click on a link provided in an email you believe is fraudulent; it may contain a harmful computer virus.
- Do not be intimidated by an email or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
- If you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company’s website directly, using a page you have previously bookmarked or by typing in the site address. Do not click the link provided in the email.
Act immediately if you're victimized
- Contact Apple Bank at 914-902-2775.
- Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov or call 877-438-4338.
- Contact the three main credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, to place fraud alerts on your file.
- Report the theft to your local police department.
- Monitor your credit files and account statements and correct any fraudulent activity.
- Report suspicious emails, phone calls or other activity to the Federal Trade Commission online or call 877-IDTHEFT.
More sources for information about identity theft