Tips for Preventing Fraud & Identity Theft
Identity Theft:
Some 500,000 to 700,000 Americans per year are at risk of having their identity stolen, according to government and private sector estimates. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information.
Many thieves use the telephone to commit fraud. These criminals are looking for unsuspecting individuals who will give them important information like Social Security numbers, date of birth, credit card numbers, or bank account information. Once the thief had your information, he or she will use it to make fraudulent purchases, obtain credit and can possibly gain access to bank accounts.
There are many ways that thieves can access your personal information. To avoid becoming a victim, here are some important things to remember.
- If you receive a call requesting personal information, hang up.
- If the caller claims to be a representative of the bank, hang up and call the bank directly using a valid telephone number provided by the bank. Remember, The Bank of Princeton will never call you to request your personal information.
- If you receive an unsolicited email requesting information or promising you a gift in return for that information, delete it immediately.
- Check all bank and credit statements regularly.
- Safeguard your information when making purchases online.
For more information, please contact your local customer service representative today at 609.681.6230. You can also check the Consumer Information regarding Financial Institutions(opens in a new window) on the State of New Jerseys website on Identity Theft, which includes information on obtaining credit reports.
Always report suspected fraud or identity theft!
Check Fraud:
Mail related check fraud is on the rise in the United States, with fraudsters targeting blue USPS mailboxes.
Ways you may reduce your risk of check theft:
- Enroll for online and mobile banking to transfer funds electronically, or pay bills directly from your account using Online Bill Pay.
- Transfer money electronically to other people by using a cash app like Zelle® , PayPal, or Venmo.
- If you must place your check in the mail, please take it directly to a US Post Office or hand it to your mail carrier.
To Report a Lost or Stolen ATM/Debit Card:
To report a lost or stolen Bank of Princeton ATM/Debit Card, please call 1.800.554.8969 immediately after discovering that the card is missing. You may contact the bank during normal business hours to request a new card.
Wise Resources!
- Federal Trade Commission
- FDIC - Consumer Assistance
- FDIC - Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator
- State of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
- Identity Theft Information
- BanksNeverAskThat.com
- Phishing Information
- HeartBleed Information