Identity theft is a federal crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses your personal information in a fraudulent or deceptive manner, usually for economic gain. It is reported to be the world's fastest growing crime. The most common way thieves steal personal information online is through spoof e-mails, spoof Web sites, social engineering and other scams. Banner Bank.
How to Report Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious matter to Banner Bank. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, please take the following actions:
- Report the incident to Banner Bank at 1-800-272-9933
- Notify your local law enforcement agency and ask to file an Identity Theft Report
- Call the fraud departments of all three major credit reporting agencies and ask them to put a "fraud alert" on your file. This tells creditors to call you before they open any more accounts in your name
Equifax: To report fraud, call 1-800-525-6285. To order a report call 1-800-685-1111
Experian: To order a report or to report fraud, call 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: To report fraud, call 1-800-680-7289. To order your report, call 1-800-916-8800
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
Security Awareness
Educating yourself is the first line of defense against identity theft. Become familiar with and aware of any current issues or security threats that exist by visiting the following sites:
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/guard/
http://www.onguardonline.gov/index.html
http://www.idtheft.gov/