Privacy

Ten Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

Understanding how it can happen…Learning how to protect yourself!

Identity theft happens when someone steals personal information such as your bank account number or Social Security Number and then poses as you, either cleaning out your account or running up debt in your name or both. The threat is real. We work very hard every day to ward off these threats, but maximum security is possible only when it starts with YOU! Here's what you can do to stop these crimes before they happen:

1. Don't give out ANY financial information over the PHONE unless you know the person you are talking to!
2. Report lost or stolen checks and/or credit cards IMMEDIATELY. Review all deliveries received (check for tampering)!
3. Store your unused checks in a safe (LOCKED) place!
4. Notify us of ANY suspicious phone calls that you receive, especially when the caller is asking for account information!
5. Guard your PIN numbers and ATM/Card receipts closely. Thieves can use them to figure out how to get more information about your accounts!
6. TEAR or SHRED any records/documents that you want to get rid of BEFORE you put them in the trash! Same with any mail that goes in the trash!
7. Don't put any OUTGOING MAIL in your mailbox for pickup (no Red Flags)! Always put your mail in a US Postal Service collection box.
8. If regular bills fail to reach you, call the US Postal Inspector immediately; thieves submit false "change-of-address notices" to intercept your mail!
9. If your bills include charges that you don't recognize, DON'T IGNORE THEM! Instead, investigate immediately!

Periodically contact the major credit-reporting companies to review your Credit Report. Make certain that the information on it is correct (and report any incorrect entries immediately).

The three major Credit Bureaus are:

For a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, or call 1-877-322-8228. You are entitled to a free credit report, annually, from each of these entities under Colorado law.

Together, we can head off identity theft and account fraud BEFORE they ever happen. The bottom line: If you have any questions or concerns about protecting your financial identity, talk to us. We're here to help!

Important Information in Case of Identity Theft

Important numbers to know: