Identity Theft Resources

Identity Theft Resources

Don't become a victim! Identity theft and protection: prevention is the best defense.

A recent survey shows that more than eight million people in the United States were victims of identity theft last year. Identity theft is a serious crime. It can destroy your credit, and because it can take years for a victim to recover, prevention is the best defense.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as credit card or bank account numbers, your Social Security number, and other types of personal information to commit fraud or theft.

Steps to safeguard your personal information:

Be proactive in reviewing your credit history.

Learn how to secure your financial information.

Use secure personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, and a secure web browser.

Review all financial statements upon receipt and shred unnecessary documents that contain personal information.

Order your credit report from the three credit bureaus once a year to check for fraudulent activities or discrepancies.

What To Do If You Become a Victim of Identity Theft.

Contact Chicopee Savings Bank if you suspect any fraudulent account activity.

Contact each of your creditors to determine if there has been any unauthorized account activity.

Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report any incidents and to receive additional guidance on steps that you can take to protect yourself, http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft or 1-877-438-4338.

Contact each of the three credit reporting agencies to have a fraud alert placed on your account.

TransUnion: 800-680-7289

Experion: 800-525-0689

Equifax: 800-525-6285

For more information on Identity Theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/ or call 877-IDTHEFT.