8 Tips to Protect Your Identity
Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. In 2013, an American fell victim to identity fraud every two seconds. Greeneville Federal Bank recommends the following tips to keep your information, and your money, safe.
- Don’t share your secrets. Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.
- Shred sensitive papers. Shred receipts, bank statements, and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
- Keep an eye out for missing mail. Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
- Use online banking to protect yourself. Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions.
- Monitor your credit report. Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
- Protect your computer. Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for “https” to be sure th website is secure.
- Protect your mobile device. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone or other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware and avoid opening links and attachments, especially for senders you don’t know.
- Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.
Greeneville Federal Bank (GFB) debit card customers:
Due to a significant increase in international debit card fraud, GFB has blocked GFB debit card transactions that are originated outside the United States. If you live abroad or travel abroad regularly and would like to use your GFB debit card we can permanently unblock international transactions. If you occasionally travel abroad and would like to use your GFB debit card we can temporarily unblock international transactions for the dates you are out of the country. In either case please contact us at (423) 638-4154 for assistance. We appreciate your business and apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause.
What You Need to Know about Overdrafts and Overdraft Fees
New Federal Reserve rules give debit and ATM card users additional options regarding overdrafts. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@greenevillefederalbank.com, call (423) 638-4154 or stop by a branch office to learn more. Please note: Electronic mail is not secure, and confidential or personal information should not be communicated in this manner.
Disclosures
For disclosure information, including Terms and Conditions of Your Accounts, Your Rights and Responsibilities Regarding Electronic Fund Transfers, Your Ability to Withdraw Funds, and Truth-in-Savings Disclosure, please visit or contact a Greeneville Federal Bank branch.
Identity Theft
For more information on Identity Theft, please go to our Useful Links page.
