Crescent Bank

Identity Theft is reportedly one of the fastest growing consumer crimes in the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission reported nearly 9.9 million people had their identity stolen in 2002 and is continually growing.

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Regularly check all of your bank and billing statements. If you see any possible error or something you don't understand, call and inquire.
Be careful not to carry too much personal information in your wallet or purse (ie: social security card, bank and credit card numbers with passwords and PINs).
Do not give out personal information over the phone if you did not initiate the call.
Always exclude your social security and driver's license numbers from being printed on checks.
Make sure your drivers license and social security numbers are not the same.
If you have not received a bill or statement you were expecting after the usual mailing time, contact the company or creditor.
Never place outgoing mail in your personal mailbox. Use the post office or postal mail drops.
Shred all receipts and other paperwork that contains any personal identifying information.
Regularly order a copy of your credit reports to check for any unusual or unknown items.
Destroy all pre-approved credit card applications if you are not going to take advantage of them.

If you become a victim of Identity Fraud, immediately take the following steps:

Contact each of the credit reporting agencies to request a fraud alert be placed in your credit file.
- Equifax - 1-800-525-6285
  www.equifax.com
- Experian - 1-888-397-3742
  www.experian.com
- TransUnion - 1-800-680-7289
  www.transunion.com
Contact your local police or sheriff's department and make a report. Be sure to record the report number and obtain a copy.
Notify all of your financial institutions and credit grantors.
Contact Government Agencies:
- The Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-488-4338
  www.ftc.gov
- Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs: 1-800-869-1123
  www.georgia.gov