Identity Theft
To reduce the risk of identity theft, The Newburyport Bank urges its customers to take the following precautions:
Social Security Numbers- Do not carry your social security card in your purse or wallet
- Do not use your social security number on your driver's license or health insurance card; request a different number
- Do not give out the number (or other personal information) over the phone or Internet unless you are absolutely sure of who you're dealing with.
- Memorize PIN Numbers & Passwords or keep them in a secure place - not in your wallet
- Do not use obvious passwords such as your birth date, part of your social, phone number, child's name or pets name
- When possible, create passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Change passwords periodically
- Promptly remove incoming mail
- Deposit outgoing mail in secure post office boxes
- Shred all documents that may contain sensitive information before throwing away.
- When possible, carry only one credit card at a time.
- Secure your wallet or purse at all times.
- Keep an up to date list (in a secure location) of all credit cards, their numbers, and telephone numbers.
- Monitor all accounts and report any suspicious activity at once
- Monitor your credit reports.
You can request a free copy each year from each of the three major credit bureaus by logging on to www.annualcreditreport.com or calling toll free 877 FACTACT
| Equifax | |
| Order a credit report | 800.685.1111 |
| Place a fraud alert | 888.766.0008 |
| Experian | |
| Order a credit report | 888.397.3742 |
| Place a fraud alert | 888.397.3742 |
| TransUnion | |
| Order a credit report | 800.888.4213 |
| Place a fraud alert | 800.680.7289 |
Consumer Resources
Federal Trade CommissionThe FTC website is terrific resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you protect yourself from identity theft, and the steps to take if it occurs.
FDICThe Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has produced a multimedia presentation to help you protect yourself from identity theft. The presentation provides information on steps you should take to secure your computer and protect yourself from identity theft, as well as actions you should take if you become a victim of identity theft.
Macromedia Flash Player is required to view this presentation. The latest version of Macromedia Flash Player can be downloaded at www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer. Installation questions or troubleshooting help can be found at www.macromedia.com/support/flash/.
Consumer Action, providing education and advocacy for consumers, has created a publication that can help you take steps to prevent Identity Theft, and to clear up problems if you are a victim to lessen its impact on your life.
