Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone steals personal information such as your bank account number or Social Security number and then uses this information illegally, such as unlawfully obtaining credit in your name, making purchases in your name or making unauthorized withdrawals from your personal account.
If you are a client and you think you are victim of fraud, immediately follow the steps listed on the victim of fraud page.
Take these precautions to protect your information in your everyday activities:
- Be cautious when providing personal information such as Social Security number and account or credit card information over the telephone, in person or on the Internet. Be sure you know the person or business you are dealing with.
- Refrain from carrying your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of your children and other family members in your wallet or purse.
- Report lost or stolen checks, credit or debit cards to South Valley Bank & Trust immediately.
- Store canceled checks, new checks and account statements in a safe place.
- Notify your banker of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for account information to "verify a statement" or "award a prize."
- Review your credit report at least once every year. Make sure all information is up-to-date and accurate.
- Memorize your PIN (Personal Identification Number) and refrain from writing it on your debit card.
- Tear up or shred any pre-approved credit offers to which you do not respond. Thieves can use these offers to assume your identity.
- Keep your mail secure. Try to mail bills or sensitive information from secure locations such as locked mailboxes and drop-off mail stations. Retrieve your mail from your mailbox as soon as possible. Thieves may use the personal information contained in your mail to steal your identity.
- If your day-to-day bills are not received when expected, call the company to find out why.
- Review your monthly account statements thoroughly. Investigate suspicious items immediately to head off any possible fraud before it occurs.
