Identity Theft Prevention Program (ITPP)*
What is ID Theft?
ID theft occurs when someone gets access to your personal confidential information and tries to use this to conduct fraudulent activity using your information and impersonating you.
“Identifying information” means a person’s name, debit card information, bank information, drivers’ license information, social security number, government issued identification number, alien registration number, government issued passport number, employer or taxpayer identification number, mother’s birth name, date of birth, health insurance information, Medicare or Medicaid number and/or health care claim number.
These events can result in a stressful situation with negative downstream impacts in being able to carry out one’s day to day financial activities.
Warning Signs of ID Theft
- You notice unauthorized activity on your accounts.
- You receive unexpected letters or statements, or you stop receiving statements or bills in the mail.
- You notice unfamiliar charges on your accounts or credit card statements
- You receive communication from someone pretending to know you and pressures you to reveal important information or make money transactions
Steps to take to reduce your risk of identity theft
- You notice unauthorized activity on your accounts.
- Do not overshare on social media and use privacy controls so personal information can remain private
- Keep important documents and personal information locked in a safe place.
- Physically only carry the minimal amount of information that you may need and ensure the rest remains in a secure place.
- Don’t give out your personal information to unsolicited callers or through internet sites unless you have initiated the contact and are fully aware of the party you are dealing with.
- Practice internet safety with your family.
- Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches and destroy hard drives when disposing of computer equipment.
- Maintain strong passwords for each of your accounts and do not reuse the same password on multiple websites. Never write down passwords or carry them with you.
- Use multi factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection when you are signing up for accounts.
- Stay informed of emerging fraud scams and take necessary preventative measures.
Action to take if you suspect fraud or identity theft
1.
2.
For suspected activity on your Cashola® Card, please contact the 24/7 number provided at the back of your card. You should also notify all your banks and financial companies as soon as you realize your identity has been stolen.
3.
Review all your accounts including all bank accounts and credit cards. Close any accounts that have been opened fraudulently and contact the fraud departments of major credit bureaus.
Equifax
1-800-525-6285
Experian
1-800-397-3742
TransUnion
1-800-680-7289
