Tips to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Control identity theft risks when using your personal computer to conduct business online by taking the following actions.
- Prevent unauthorized people from using your personal computer or personal devices
- Logoff or lock your computer when leaving your workstation
- Use a passcode or individual recognition to unlock your mobile device
- Use password best practices like a pass phrase or two-factor authentication (get tips to make your password more secure)
- If you notice suspicious activity in your accounts, report it immediately
- Take advantage of your personal computer's security features
- Make sure your browser uses the strongest encryption available and be aware of the encryption levels of the sites and applications you use
- Use only software from reliable vendors
What To Do When You Are An Identity Theft Victim
If you are a victim of identity theft of account fraud you should notify Fidelity Bank immediately and take the following action:
- Call the fraud departments of all three credit bureaus and ask them to put a "fraud alert" on your file. This tells creditors to call you before they open any more accounts in your name. The three credit bureaus are: Equifax 1.800.525.6285, Experian 1.888.397.3742 and TransUnion 1.800.680.7289.
- Contact your local police and ask them to file a report. Even if the police can't catch the identity thief, having a police report can help you in clearing up your credit records later on.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Call the FTC's identity theft hotline toll-free at 1.877.IDTHEFT (438.4338). Counselors trained to help victims and take their complaints staff the hotline.
- Complete the identity theft affidavit, which will assist you in reporting to many companies that a new account has been opened in your name. Obtain a copy of the identity theft affidavit by clicking here.
For more information about identity theft, please visit the links below or you may call: FTC toll-free at 1.877.IDTHEFT (438.4338).