Identity Theft
Identity theft is on the rise, with over 400,000 victims annually. It happens when someone steals your personal information, like your bank account or Social Security number, to commit fraud. The result? Drained accounts or mounting debt in your name.
Awareness is the first step to protecting yourself. By staying informed and taking precautions, you can reduce your risk. Kingston National Bank is here to help with tips to avoid identity theft and tools like ID TheftSmart™ to assist in recovery if the worst happens.
Stay Safe Online
In today’s digital world, protecting your personal information has never been more important. From phishing emails to malware, cyber threats are constantly evolving. Taking simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping your accounts and data secure.
Ready to level up your online safety? Check out our blog for essential cybersecurity tips.
Read the blog
Resources
Social Security Administration (SSA)
SSA may assign you a new SSN – at your request – if you continue to experience problems even after trying to resolve the problems resulting from identity theft. SSA field office employees work closely with victims of identity theft and third parties to collect the evidence needed to assign a new SSN in these cases. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 should someone obtain your SSN.
SSA Office of the Inspector General (SSA/OIG)
The SSA/OIG is one of the federal law enforcement agencies that investigate cases of identity theft. Direct allegations that an SSN has been stolen or misused to the SSA Fraud Hotline.
Call: 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) Toll Free
Online: www.ftc.gov/idtheft
E-mail: [email protected]
Check Verification Companies
- SCAN: 1-800-262-7771
- TeleCheck: 1-800-710-9898 or 927-0188
- CrossCheck: 1-707-586-0431
- Equifax Check Systems: 1-800-846-5279
Request a Credit Report
Did you know you’re entitled to a free credit report every year? It’s a great way to stay on top of your financial health, spot errors, and monitor for signs of identity theft.
Request your report today:
🌐 Visit www.annualcreditreport.com
📞 Call 1-877-322-8228
✉️ Write to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Federal Trade Commision
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a key resource for victims of identity theft. While the FTC doesn’t handle criminal cases, they provide vital information to help resolve financial and other challenges caused by identity theft. They also share complaints with relevant agencies for further action.
If you’ve been a victim, file a complaint with the FTC:
📞 Call the Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
🌐 Visit www.ftc.gov
✉️ Write to: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580
