Don't wait; protect your identity and your accounts.
It’s important to keep your identity from being stolen by someone who can potentially harm your good name and financial well-being. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security Number, credit card or financial account numbers, passwords, and other personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. While the words may sound like a foreign language -- Phishing, Pharming, Vishing, Spyware, Dumpster Diving — they are actually techniques used by thieves to put your identity and finances at risk.
By following the precautions listed below, you can reduce the risk of account fraud.
- Keep your checks in a secure location. Never leave your checkbook unattended.
- Don’t sign blank checks or give them to someone else to complete.
- Contact the bank to report lost or stolen checks.
- Always balance your checkbook every time you receive your statement, or sign up for on-line banking and review your statement on-line. Report any discrepancies to the bank.
- Shred all confidential information that may contain your account number (statements, old or cancelled checks, deposit tickets, etc.)
- Never give your account information to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call. No financial institution will ever ask you for information it already has in its records.
- Contact Bank Mutual Customer Service if you believe you are the victim of account fraud at 1-800-261-6888.
Protect Your Identity
- Never give your account information, credit card information or personal identifying information to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call. No financial institution will ever ask you for information it already has in its records.
- Always shred documents containing either your financial or identifying personal information.
- Place all outgoing mail in an official postal mailbox. Rural residential mailboxes are targets for thieves.
- Be aware of any missed bills and report them immediately.
- Use a bank safe deposit box to store and protect important documents. Do not store them in your home where they could be stolen or damaged by fire or water.
- Review your credit report at least once per year.
If you believe you are the victim of Identity Theft:
- Call one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report (Equifax 800-525-6285, Experian 888-397-3742, TransUnion 800-680-7289.)
- Request a copy of your credit report if you have not reviewed it in the last year.
- Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
- File a police report.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission see the website http://www.ftc.gov.
To learn more about Identity Theft and what you can do to prevent it, check out the quick video in our Education Center.