Protecting Your Identity

In today's information age, criminals have developed very sophisticated methods of obtaining personal information about people.

Learn how to keep your personal information safe.

Your credit card/check card/ATM Card

• Keep your card with you at all times.
• Sign all new cards immediately. For additional security, in place of a signature, write "Photo ID Required," and plan to show your driver's license or other Photo ID when using the card. This extra step will protect you if the card is stolen.
• Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
• Never leave your card as a security deposit. Use your driver's license or other ID if necessary.
• Do not loan your card or account number to another person not listed on the account.
• Never carry your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with you or write it on the back of your card.
• Monitor your mail closely if you are expecting a new or replacement card.
• Photocopy the contents of your wallet and keep the information in a safe place.

Your account information

• Invest in a shredder if you do not already own one. Properly dispose of old receipts and monthly statements and other sensitive documents by shredding.
• Do not allow a merchant to record your account number when paying by check.
• Take receipts with your account number listed, for example, from restaurants, grocery stores.
• Close all inactive accounts.
• Do not use an obvious number, such as your date of birth or phone number for your PIN.
• Always notify your bank and other credit issuers with change of address or phone number and have a fraud alert placed on your name and Social Security Number.

If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, we recommend you contact us toll-free at 1-877-SF4-BANK / 1-877-734-2265.

You should also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the three major credit bureaus immediately.

Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Tel: 1-877-IDTHEFT

Trans Union
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
Tel: 1-800-680-7289

Experian
P.O. Box 949
Allen, TX 75013-0949
Tel: 1-888-397-3742

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Tel: 1-800-525-6285

The Identity Theft Assistance Center (ITAC)® is a cooperative initiative of the financial services industry that provides a free victim assistance service for customers of member companies. ITAC walks the identity theft victim through his or her credit report to find suspicious activity, notifies the affected creditors, and places fraud alerts with the credit bureaus. ITAC also shares information with law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission. ITAC is part of an ongoing effort by the financial services industry to address and reduce the human and economic consequences of fraud and identity theft.

ID Theft Affidavit (PDF 48 KB)

If an account is opened or used in your name without your permission, use this form to notify the company/institution the account is held with. This form will help you provide proof that you did not create or authorize the activity and will help ensure that you are not held financially responsible.

If you have any questions, please call us toll-free at 1-877-SF4-BANK / 1-877-734-2265.