
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation. At Fox Chase Bank, we are committed to aid in the detection and
prevention of identity theft. Our account opening procedures and methods of accessing accounts and account information are
designed with that commitment in mind. In addition we offer an ID Theft Assist service to help you if you do become a victim of idenity theft. Ultimately though, the best preventative measure our customers can take is to be educated
on what to watch for, what to do if something is detected, and what they can do to protect themselves. Please take some time to explore
this section of our site and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
If your personal information — social security number,
driver's license number or credit card numbers — falls into the wrong hands, criminals can use it to establish
credit, borrow money, charge merchandise or commit crime in your name. Identity theft can happen through elaborate web
scams known as phishing. Sometimes, it can result from carelessly tossing out paperwork
that should have been shredded. You may not even be aware the damage is being done until
it's too late — accounts are often opened in the victim's name and mail is then delivered to a different
address.
Protect your identity. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Guard your social security number and financial data. Never respond to unsolicited requests for such information, especially online, where phishing scams are prevalent.
- Remove mail promptly from your mailbox. Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail. Identity thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and financial statements.
- Be careful with receipts, shred anything with your confidential information. For a sample list, see "What to Shred"
- Obtain a copy of your credit report yearly. Check it carefully for accuracy. You can request a free credit report once a year, from each of the credit reporting agencies. Go online at www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll free at 877 322-8228
- Be creative when you select a password. Avoid obvious pin codes such as your phone number, address, and birth date.
If you become a victim of identity theft, take action immediately:
- Contact your bank and your other financial institutions and close your accounts. Indicate that accounts are being closed due to fraud, at the consumer's request.
- Contact the credit bureaus and tell them your identity has been stolen. Have a fraud alert statement posted on your credit report.
These alerts must remain in a consumer's report for no less than 90 days. Consumers who allege that they are the victim of identity theft may also place an extended alert,
which lasts seven years, on their consumer report. Extended alerts require consumers to submit identity theft reports and appropriate proof of identity to the nationwide
consumer reporting agencies.
- Report check theft to check verification companies such as Chexsystems at 800 428-9623.
- Check the post office for unauthorized change of address requests.
- File a police report and obtain a copy.