B-Smart - Fraud Prevention
Identity Theft: If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, please contact the Bank immediately. After that, visit www.IdentityTheft.gov. It's the federal government's one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides step-by-step guidance, streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process. If you prefer, you can download the entire kit, or ask a CSR to print it for you. Here is a recap of our National Consumer Protection Week's tips:
B-SMART HELPFUL TIPS:
Read some helpful tips and find links to useful information!
You have the right to be left alone and we can help. Stop unsolicited mail, phone calls, and email today! Here's how.
TIP #2: DISCOVER IDENTITY THEFT
If you get a strange notice from the IRS, bank or company regarding an account or account activity you don't recognize it could be identity theft. If you are getting calls from debt collectors or bills that are not yours, it may be identity theft and here is what you do next.
TIP #3: THE FLAVOR OF IDENTITY THEFT.
Did you know that there are different types of identity theft? One flavor is tax related identity theft which focuses on the IRS and is increasingly common as we approach the April tax deadline. The IRS will never initiate contact with a taxpayer through email, text or social media and ask for personal or financial information. If you get an email that claims to be from the IRS, do not reply or click on any links.
Learn more about all the flavors of identity theft.
TIP #4: COMPUTER SECURITY.
Getting to Martha's Vineyard is easy if you are a hacker! There are steps you can take to protect your computer and yourself from scammers, hackers and identity thieves. Check out these resources to learn more and keep your computer and your personal information secure.
TIP #5: HERE'S SOME FUN (JUST KIDDING).
Scams are no fun... and among the most insipid are online dating scams, so as you get ready for that big date this weekend, check this out. And if your dating days are no more, take a minute this weekend to learn more about the most common online scams.