Identity theft is a crime that affects one in every fifty consumers. This new offense is also one of the fastest growing crimes in our nation. This crime can affect anyone, anywhere, and tackling the theft against you can be time consuming and frustrating. Staying on top of ways to stop this crime can prevent months of investigation.

Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized person uses your information. The criminal can use your name, driver’s license number, date of birth, social security number, telephone calling card, credit card numbers, and bank information to open new accounts or charge merchandise in your name without consent.

This crime can wreak havoc on your credit history and personal finances, and take over your identity amassing enormous debts and even criminal acts being committed in your name.

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With a few simple steps, action can be taken to prevent this offense

• When discarding bank statements, credit card offers, and receipts that contain visible personal information, shred or tear up the documents so your information is unidentifiable.
• Do not carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, or even the credit cards you don’t usually use around with you.
• Take what you have in your wallet and make a copy of it, and put in a safe place. That way you have account and contact numbers at hand should they be compromised.
• On password protected accounts, do not use any passwords that contain public information, such as personal dates, family names, and nicknames.
• Check your credit history at least once a year from all of the three major credit bureaus.
• Keep track of your mail. If possible have a locked mailbox or have your mail sent to the local Post Office. Never leave outgoing mail in your box.
• Be aware that almost every time you call an 800, 888, or 900 number, your name and address are captured by the company you dialed.
• Keep track of your surroundings. Know who is around you when using an ATM, entering a PIN, or releasing information.
• If you have not called and initiated an account inquiry, TrustTexas Bank will not call you directly and ask for your account information.
• When using the internet or receiving phone solicitations, check to see if it is a reputable company before giving any information. Be cautious when giving your bank account number, social security number, or bank routing number. This information, placed in the hands of the wrong people, could lead to unwanted access to your account.

What to do if your identity is stolen:

• Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus – file a fraud alert, ask that you must approve any new accounts, and get new copies of your credit reports every three months.
• Contact all creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened without consent.
• When you open a new account, make it password protected before any inquiries or changes can be made on the account.
• Close all accounts that have been tampered with (phone, credit, bank).
• If someone is using your Social Security Number when applying for a job, contact the Social Security Administration to verify the accuracy of your reported earnings and that your name is reported correctly.
• File a report with your local police, or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
• Report to the local postal inspector that your identity has been tampered with.
• If you suspect your name or Social Security Number is being used to get a driver’s license, report it to your Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Follow-up all phone calls or emails in regards to your case with a letter, and keep a copy of all correspondence.

Credit Bureau Information

Equifax: Order Credit Report 800-685-1111, Report Fraud 800-525-6285
Experian: Order Credit Report 888-397-3742, Report Fraud 888-397-3742
Trans Union: Order Credit Report 800-888-4213, Report Fraud 800-680-7289

Identity Theft Resources

The Federal Trade Commission

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0005-identity-theft
https://www.identitytheft.gov/
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft