Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes. It often occurs when an identity thief gains access to your personal identifying information without your knowledge. The purpose is usually to commit fraud or theft.
You can protect your privacy and minimize your risk of becoming a victim by taking the following steps:
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Personal Identifying Information
- Always protect your personal identifying information including your date of birth, Social Security number, credit and debit card numbers, personal identification numbers and passwords.
- Never give any of your personal identifying information to any person who is not permitted to have access to your accounts.
- Never give your information over the phone, through the mail or online unless you have initiated the contact and know and trust the person or company to whom it is given.
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Credit, Debit and ATM Cards
- Limit the number of credit, debit and ATM cards you carry.
- Cancel all the cards that you do not use.
- Retain receipts from card transactions.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
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Mail
- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.
- Deposit outgoing mail in a post office collection box, hand it to the postal carrier or take it to the post office instead of leaving it in the mailbox where it can be stolen.
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Credit Reports
- Order a copy of your credit report annually and review it for accuracy. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report annually at: http://www.annualcreditreport.com
- Check your credit report for unauthorized accounts, credit cards or purchases.
- Look for anything suspicious in your credit report on recent inquiries.
- If you feel your personal information has been stolen, you may contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert in your file. They may be reached at:
- Equifax 1-877-576-5734
- Experian 1-888-397-3742
- Transunion 1-800-680-7289
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Bank Accounts and Credit Card Statements
- Contact your financial institution immediately if you do not receive a statement on time.
- Review your bank account and credit card statements promptly and immediately report any discrepancy or unauthorized transactions.
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Telephone and Internet Solicitations
- Be highly suspicious of any offer made by phone, website or email that seems too good to be true.
- Before responding to any telephone or internet offer, determine if the person or business is legitimate.
- Do not respond to unsolicited email that promises you some benefit but requests personal identifying information from you.
- City National Bank never requests a customer’s bank account number, card numbers, Social Security numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) or password through email. If you should receive an email requesting such information that appears to be from City National Bank, do not respond to the email and contact the bank immediately at 325-703-2031.
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Home Security
- Store extra checks, credit cards or documents with personal information in a safe place.
- Shred all credit card receipts and solicitations, ATM receipts, account statements, check images or other financial documents before you throw them away.
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