Identity Theft Protection Tips
Identity theft is a crime that happens when a thief steals key pieces of personal identifying information (PII) such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers and then uses them for their own personal gain.
Help minimize your risk…
Don’t give out your SSN unnecessarily (only for tax reasons, credit, or verified employment.) Before providing personal identifiers, know how they will be used and if they will be shared.
Use a cross-cut shredder to dispose of documents with personal information. Also, use a specialized gel pen when writing out checks.
Place outgoing mail in collection boxes or the U.S. Post Office.
Know your billing cycles and contact creditors when bills fail to show up. Review bank and credit card statements carefully.
Password protect your financial accounts. A strong password is more than eight characters in length, and contains both capital letters and at least one number or symbol. Use of non-dictionary words is also recommended.
Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on-line unless you initiated the contact.
Use firewall software to protect computer information. Keep virus and spyware software programs updated.
Reduce the number of preapproved credit card offers you receive:
888-5OPT-OUT
Order your free annual credit reports on-line at: annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228. You may also “freeze” your credit report.
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Questions? Contact Us.
Primary Office: 2009 Mackenzie Way, Suite 100 Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Gibsonia Office: 103 Ringneck Court, Gibsonia, PA 15044
Business Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM and By Appointment
Phone: 724.720.9452