Protection

Place a Fraud Alert/Security Freeze on your credit report

To protect yourself from the possibility of identity theft, we recommend that you immediately place a fraud alert on your credit files. A fraud alert conveys a special message to anyone requesting your credit report that you suspect you were a victim of fraud. When you or someone else attempts to open a credit account in your name, the lender should take measures to verify that you have authorized the request. A fraud alert should not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts, but it may slow down your ability to get new credit. An initial fraud alert is valid for ninety (90) days. To place a fraud alert on your credit reports, contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies at the appropriate number listed below or via their website. One agency will notify the other two on your behalf. You will then receive letters from the agencies with instructions on how to obtain a free copy of your credit report from each.

Equifax (888)766-0008 or www.fraudalert.equifax.com
Experian (888) 397-3742 or www.experian.com/fraud/center
TransUnion (800) 680-7289 or www.transunion.com

Obtain and review credit reports 

When you receive a credit report from each agency, review the reports carefully. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from creditors that you did not initiate, and confirm that your personal information, such as home address and Social Security number, is accurate. If you see anything you do not understand or recognize, call the credit reporting agency at the telephone number on the report. Even if you do not find signs of fraud on your credit reports, we recommend that you remain vigilant in reviewing your credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies. You may obtain a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months at: 
Annual Credit Report 877-322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com
 

Regularly review account statements. If suspicious activity is found, notify Law Enforcement and other parties.

If you detect any suspicious activity on any account or have reason to believe your information is being misused, you should promptly notify the financial institution or company with which the account is maintained. You should also promptly report any fraudulent activity or any suspected incidence of identity theft to proper law enforcement authorities, your state attorney general, and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). If you file an identity theft report with your local police department, you should ask for and are entitled to receive a copy of the police report. Some creditors may ask for the information contained in the report. You may be able to obtain information from your state’s attorney general on the steps you can take to avoid identity theft. 

To file a complaint:
Federal Trade Commission: 877-438-4338 or www.identitytheft.gov

Additional Resources

Keeping You Safer - First State Bank offers a variety of tools and services that offer protection and security for your accounts. Learn more and get started today.

Card Guard FAQ - Card Guard allows you to protect your debit card from fraud and theft. Learn more about how it works.

First Alerts Setup Instructions - Stay connected with your account activity via text, email, and/or push notifications. Learn more about First Alerts.

Tips for creating secure passwords

Trusted Contact Person - Customers may designate someone as a “Trusted Contact Person.” The trusted contact person is intended to be a resource for First State Bank in administering inquiries to an individual’s accounts and protecting their assets and responding to possible financial exploitation.