Bank of Essex - A Virginia Community Bank

With today's technology, it's easier than ever for criminals to locate and utilize your personal information. By stealing your mail, rummaging through trash cans and even obtaining fradulent credit reports, identity theives can quickly change the address on your credit card accounts or open new ones, establish phone and wireless services in your name, and eventually open bank accounts.

You never know who may have access to your personal information; all they need is the desire and the opportunity. You can protect yourself by making it harder for these white-collar criminals to successfully steal your identity. Here's how:

Order a Free Annual Credit Report:
Utilize this free service at www.annualcreditreport.com to check your credit for errors or discrepencies to ensure no one is using your identity to make purchases. Often, criminals will use your credit to purchase cars, homes, etc. and file for bankruptcy in your name. Each American consumer is entitled by law to one free copy of their credit report once a year.

Guard Your Mail:
Mail should not be left unattended on your desk at work or in your mailbox at home. We all receive multiple credit card mailings every day, which can be used to open credit cards in your name, take out loans and more. Be it trash or old mail, be sure to shred or burn it when you no longer need it. Don't leave new mail in your mailbox too long after delivery, or overnight, if it is easily accessible to the public. The United States Postal Service can hold your mail if you are away for an extended period of time.

Remove your Social Security Number:
Your Social Security Number can be found on your drivers license, passport and checks. Be sure to take those numbers off of these items. Don't ever carry your Social Security Card in your wallet or purse! Once a thief has your Social Security Number, they have your identity, so store your Social Security card, passport and other important documents in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box.

Be Careful with Your Cards:
Refrain from carrying multiple charge and debit cards on your person, and make sure you have signed the backs of every card you carry. Close and destroy all unused cards and accounts.

Don't Give Information Out:
Unless you've initiated the phone call, do not give your personal information, including passwords, over the telephone or Internet. If you receive unsolicited correspondence asking for account numbers, login information or passwords, don't give it out. Call back the company they're calling or writing from to confirm their authenticity. Bank of Essex will never call or e-mail you asking for account information!

Keep Track of Your Billing Cycles:
If a bill is late, call the company and make sure it was mailed. Missing bills are a red flag that your information may be compromised.

Use Passwords:
Password protect all of your accounts, charge cards, computers, and e-mail. If you step away from your desk, even briefly, be sure to log off so that your information cannot be accessed. Use meaningful passwords and include numbers, symbols and upper-case letters to make it harder to guess, and change your password every 30 to 60 days. Do not share your password with anyone.

Protect Your PIN:
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the key to your accounts. Don't write your PIN down and carry them in your purse, wallet or car. Do not share your PIN with anyone.

SHRED EVERYTHING:
If it has any personal information on it, shred it! A shredder is one of the most valuable purchases you'll ever make. Look for a cross-cut shredder because a thief won't take the time to steal confetti from your trash.

Consider Generations Gold^®:
Bank of Essex is excited to introduce Generations Gold^®, which offers extensive Consumer Services to help protect you from Identity Theft and Fraud. From purchase protection to credit card registration, Generations Gold^® can save you money, and potentially the hassle of reclaiming your identity.

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