What to do if you are a victim of Identity Theft
If you think your personal information has been compromised and used for fraud or theft, take the following immediate steps to secure your credit:
Alert the Credit Bureaus and Monitor Your Credit:
Contact the fraud departments of Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place a “security freeze” or "fraud alert" on your credit reports. Request a copy of your credit report from each bureau to review for any suspicious activity.
Equifax:
- Fraud Alert: 1-888-836-6351
- Credit Report: 1-866-349-5191
Experian:
- Fraud Alert and Credit Report: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion:
- Fraud Alert: 1-800-680-7289
- Credit Report: 1-800-888-4213
Send written follow-ups with copies of any relevant documents, like a police report or marked statements showing unauthorized charges.
Secure Your Accounts:
Close any accounts that have been breached or fraudulently opened. Contact each company’s security or fraud department, then send a written confirmation with copies of documents that support your claim. Use certified mail for your letters to track when they are received, and keep copies for your records.
Change credentials:
Change online-banking and any social media or financial website credentials (use varying usernames and passwords).
Alert ChexSystems and monitor your activity:
Place security freeze with Chex/Qualifile for fraudulent deposit account opening prevention - https://www.chexsystems.com/. ChexSystem’s phone number is 800.428.9623.
This is as important as placing credit bureau freeze/alert and does not take the place of a credit bureau freeze/alert. It does the same for deposit account opening as the credit freeze does for loan account opening.
Report to the Authorities:
File a police report with your local department or the one in the community where the theft occurred and obtain a copy for your records. This may be necessary for creditors needing proof of the crime.
File a Complaint with the FTC:
Your report aids law enforcement nationwide in tracking and stopping identity thieves. The FTC uses these reports to investigate and can direct complaints to relevant agencies or companies for further action. Remember, the FTC's website at IdentityTheft.gov is a comprehensive resource for victims of identity theft, providing checklists and sample letters to help you through the recovery process.
To file a complaint with the FTC:
- Online: IdentityTheft.gov
- Phone: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261
- Mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580
- Keep your complaint updated with any new information or issues.
We are here to help.
If you suspect any sign of identity theft or fraudulent activity on your accounts, it’s crucial to act swiftly and decisively. Your first step should be to contact 1st Colonial Community Bank without delay. Our dedicated team is prepared to assist you in securing your accounts, guiding you through the steps of protecting your credit, and initiating any necessary investigations. We're here to provide the support and resources you need to address and resolve any issues related to identity theft.
Reach out to 1st Colonial Community Bank immediately at:
- Customer Service: 877-785-8550
- Online Support: customerservice@1stcolonial.com or Contact us
- Local Branch: Visit your nearest branch for in-person assistance.
Your security is our highest concern, and we are here to help safeguard your financial well-being.