First and foremost, it is vital for you to protect your identity. Use caution when confronted with unsolicited telephone calls. The caller, who generally is very friendly and talkative, may identify himself as being with a local or well-known company, explaining that the company is taking preventative measures to insure the safety of your ATM, debit or credit card. The caller then asks you to verify the card number, its last four digits or the account passcode. Another form of telephone fraud solicitation is when a caller notifies you that you are a winner of some fantastic prize, then asking only for your account number for verification.
Capitol Federal® advises customers to NEVER DISCLOSE AN ACCOUNT NUMBER OR OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION TO SOMEONE WHO CALLS YOU! Capitol Federal or any other legitimate company will never call to ask customers to provide or verify an account number or passcode. The company already has this information.
To further "protect your identity" against fraud, Capitol Federal suggests:
Toll-free 1-877-IDTHEFT
TDD: 202-326-2502
Online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft
When you make the complaint, the FTC will provide you with information to assist you in resolving any problems that may arise from this crime. According to the FTC, the first steps to take are:
Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus:
Capitol Federal® advises customers to NEVER DISCLOSE AN ACCOUNT NUMBER OR OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION TO SOMEONE WHO CALLS YOU! Capitol Federal or any other legitimate company will never call to ask customers to provide or verify an account number or passcode. The company already has this information.
To further "protect your identity" against fraud, Capitol Federal suggests:
- Keeping your car doors locked, to prevent break-ins. Do not keep valuables in view; also beware of keeping them in the trunk. A thief could break your window and use your automatic trunk opener to obtain access to your packages in the trunk.
- Do not leave your wallet, purse or briefcase unattended. Keep them with you; it only takes a thief a moment to steal your checkbook or wallet filled with credit cards, driver's license and other means of identity.
- Men should not keep their wallets in their back pocket, an easy mark for a pickpocket.
- Guard your property, even at the office or gym. Keep your lockers locked to prevent break-ins.
- Do not place outgoing mail in your mailbox; deposit it in your local U.S. Mail box. This will prevent mail interception.
- Before revealing personal identifying information, ask how it will be used and if it will be shared.
- Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible.
- Pay attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if bills do not arrive on time.
- Minimize the identification information and number of cards you carry to what you actually need. Do not use your Social Security number on your driver’s license or checks.
- Keep items with personal information in a safe place; shred or destroy them, including receipts, when you don’t need them anymore.
- Order a free copy of your credit report from the three credit reporting agencies every year at www.annualcreditreport.com. Make sure it is accurate and includes only those activities you’ve authorized.
Toll-free 1-877-IDTHEFT
TDD: 202-326-2502
Online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft
When you make the complaint, the FTC will provide you with information to assist you in resolving any problems that may arise from this crime. According to the FTC, the first steps to take are:
Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus:
Equifax - 1-800-525-6285
Experian - 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion - 1-800-680-7289
Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently (banks, credit card issuers and other creditors).
File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.