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IDENTITY THEFT

Stop Identity Theft by Protecting Your Identity­

• Check your credit report annually
  
• Don't give out personal information
• Review your bills and statements regularly
  
• Guard your mail and trash from theft
  
• Shred items that contain personal information
  
• Copy the contents of your wallet or purse
  
• Report lost or stolen check or credit cards immediately

For more information, visit: www.texasbankers.com

If You Become a Victim of Identity Theft‑ Recover Your Good Name

• Contact the fraud departments of the 3 major credit bureaus:
  E Equifax                   1.800.525.6285
  Experian                    1.888.397.3742
  TransUnion:              1.800.680.7289


• Notify your financial institution immediately
  
• Inform your credit issuers
  
• File a police report with your local law enforcement

For additional information and advice, call the Federal Trades Commission (FTC)
Identity Theft Hotline toll‑free at 1.877.IDTHEFT (438‑4338) or visit their ID Theft
website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft

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"PHISHING" on the Rise‑Protect Yourself'

Phishing is a form of social engineering ‑that combines deception with spam e‑mail, Phishers create phony e‑mail messages, often using "stolen" logos of legitimate businesses, which ask e‑mail recipients to reveal sensitive information about themselves. The requested information could be anything from bank account or credit card account information, social security numbers, or electronic website passwords. The intent is to use the information stolen from a small percentage of people who actually respond to the messages for identity theft, larceny, or some other covert purpose.

Analysts estimate that, out of 75‑100 million phishing e‑mails sent per day, 2,000 to 3,500 people actually fall victim to the scams. The total value of the losses is estimated from $500 million to more than $1 billion, with an average of about $1,200 per incident. In fact, the FBI has recently revealed that the proceeds of cyber crime (of which phishing is a component) has now outpaced the We of illegal drugs.

You can avoid becoming a victim of a phishing scam by following these simple guidelines:

1.          Never provide personal information related to an e‑mail inquiry that you did not originate. No legitimate institution will request that you confirm personal information on‑line unless you initiate the request.

2.          Be wary of e‑mail messages that require you to act immediately.

3.          Never click on a hyperlink in an e‑mail message that directs you to an internet
site. Instead logon directly to the website or call the company directly.

4.          Be wary of e‑mails that contain company logos that do not took normal or that
have spelling or grammatical errors

5.          Send all suspicious e‑mails to the institution purporting to send the e‑mail
message. The institution can have the phisher shutdown.

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CREDIT REPORTS

Why You Should Check

Your credit report is very important to you in life.  The information contained in a credit report is especially important when you apply for a loan, insurance (auto, home, personal), rent an apartment or apply for a job.  You must be proactive to make sure all the information contained on your credit report is as accurate as possible. 

What’s In A Credit Report

Credit reporting agencies collect information on individuals from various sources.  They gather information from lenders such as banks and credit card issuers.  They also gather information from other public records.  A typical credit report contains the following information:

• Personal Data-identifying information such as name, Social Security Number, birth date, address, etc.
• Credit History-including a list of current and past creditors, credit terms and limits, and how well (or how poorly) an individual has repaid debts.
• Inquiries-a listing of requests for credit reports.
• Public Records-information such as bankruptcies and judgments.
• Personal Statement-a limited statement where an individual can explain his/her position on a dispute with a lender.

Obtaining A Copy Of Your Credit Report 

The FACT Act amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the nationwide credit bureaus to provide consumers, upon request, one free personal credit report in a twelve (12) month period.   You may contact the Central Source on line at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling toll free (877) FACT ACT.  Free copies are also available if you have been denied credit in the past 60 days and the creditor used their services.  

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