ID Theft Resources

Tips

• Protect Your Accounts
  • Never loan your credit or ATM card or share your passwords with anyone who is not authorized on your account. Do not share your account numbers with anyone unless you initiated the contact.
  • Report lost or stolen checks, debit or credit cards immediately. Review new checks to make sure none were stolen in transit. Be aware of the expiration date on your credit card; if you do not receive a reissued card before the expiration date, notify customer service.
  • Store new and canceled checks securely and always use tamper-resistant checks.
  • Question suspicious emails or phone inquiries. Unless you initiated the contact, Salem Five will not request your personal information (account number, Social Security number, or mother's maiden name) through email, U.S. mail, or by phone. Please notify us immediately if you receive odd calls or emails claiming to come from Salem Five. Be especially wary of those requesting account information to "award a prize" or "verify a statement."
  • Guard your ATM and online banking information. Avoid using obvious or easily obtainable information as your password. Don't share your passwords with anyone or write them down.
  • Curtail the use of paper documents. Call Salem Five to discuss the many electronic payment options available, such as Bill Pay and free online account access with Salem Five Online Banking.
• Protect Your Social Security Number
  • Never send your Social Security Number by unsecured email to anyone
  • Request another number instead of your Social Security Number on your drivers license
  • Never carry your Social Security Number in your wallet
  • Do not print your Social Security Number on your checks
  • Don't give it out just because someone asks for it - know who you are doing business with
• Protect Other Personal Information
  • Never keep PIN numbers and passwords in your wallet or any visible location
  • Be aware when standing at ATMs by protecting your PIN number
  • Be aware of giving personal information over the phone, by email and over the internet, unless you have initiated the contact
  • Be suspicious of anyone who calls you requesting personal information
  • Shred any personal information or documents you no longer need that could be used to establish an identity in your name
    • Pay stubs
    • Pre-approved credit offers
    • Shopping receipts
    • Utility and phone bills
    • Insurance documents
  • Obtain your credit report regularly to check for fraud
  • Review your bank and credit card statements for accuracy - Do Not Ignore suspicious charges