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Unfortunately, crimes such as identity theft, computer hacking, telemarketing
fraud and email fraud are all too common today. Customers may be deceived by
unscrupulous individuals who pose as representatives of legitimate
businesses.
Luzerne Bank employees only request personal and/or financial information
from customers when new accounts are established, during the loan
application process or if it is necessary to validate an extraordinary
account transaction. If you question the legitimacy of a request for
information from someone claiming to represent Luzerne Bank, please
contact us immediately at 570-288-4511.
Identity theft occurs when someone
who does not have permission takes and uses
your personal information (such as your name, social security or credit card
number) to commit fraud or other crimes. These
criminals take the identities of others to open new credit cards; obtain
phone or utility accounts, loans, or employment; open bank accounts; and/or
pass fraudulent checks. According to the FBI, identity theft is the fastest
growing crime in America.
Criminals gain access to personal information
in many ways, but the most common method is to take it from the victim
themselves - you. They steal mail (such as account statements, new checks
and offers of credit) left in a mailbox, discarded in the trash or stored in
an easy to get to location in your home or office. They take credit card and
personal identification from your purse or wallet. Without knowing it, you
may give the information directly to the criminal when you enter data at an
unsecured or unknown website, or in response to a fraudulent request for
account information through an unverified e-mail ("phishing").
Imposters also ask for information from you in unsolicited phone calls,
tricking you into thinking it is someone you know, such as an employee from your bank ("pretexting").
Identity thieves can damage the credit
reputations and lives of victims. Studies have shown that victims spend an
average of $808 and 205 hours resolving the identity theft. Time and money
is spent clearing credit reports, reporting the theft to lenders and
merchants, and filing complaints with law enforcement and governmental
agencies. One of the menacing problems of identity theft is that it can
happen more than once. Once the initial incident is resolved, the thief may
begin using the victim's identity again after waiting 6 months to a year and
the cycle begins all over again.
Identity theft requires someone to gain
access to your personal information. You can take steps to decrease the risk
of someone stealing your information.
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Destroy papers you throw out. Shred
or completely destroy any documents that contain personal information
before discarding them in the trash. This includes information about you,
your family, your home, or your accounts such as credit card
solicitations, pre-approved credit offers, convenience checks contained in
your statements, bills, cancelled checks, loan offerings, ATM or credit
card receipts, insurance or tax information. Just as important are
receipts from ATM's or self-service devices such as gasoline pumps. Don't
just leave them behind or throw them in the trash. Criminals only need a
few pieces of information about you to get credit in your name and access
your existing accounts.
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Guard your PINs. Never give out
your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorize your PINs and never
write them on your cards or carry them in your wallet.
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Store your personal information
securely. Keep it where it is not easily available in the event of a
burglary or other unauthorized access.
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Be careful who you give your
information to over the telephone. Do not give out personal
information such as your social security number, credit card or bank
account numbers, or loan numbers over the phone to anyone who has called
you without first confirming who you are speaking to, why they need the
information and that they are who they claim to be.
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Be cautious online. Make sure it is
safe when you are asked to provide information at websites or with online
merchants you do not have an existing relationship with. Always confirm
that you are in a secure session before entering personal information
online.
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Check your credit reports. Review
your credit report regularly to identify any inquiries or accounts that
you are not aware of and did not apply for.
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Report lost or stolen credit cards,
checks or identification immediately.
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Protect your mailbox. If your
residential mailbox is not secure, don't put outgoing mail in the box and
promptly pick up incoming mail or obtain a secure postal mailbox.
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Safeguard your checks. Never print
your personal information such as a Social Security Number or driver's
license number on your checks.
Ask them to send you a copy of your credit
report and instruct them to place a fraud alert on your record. Once you
receive the report, review it carefully. Contact any creditors listed that
you did not apply for credit with and inform them that you have been a
victim of identity theft. Instruct them to close the account, send you
copies of the application and any transactions, and to promptly clear your
credit record.
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