ID Theft

Important Security Information

Do You Know What Phishing Is?

Phishing is the latest form of Identity Theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigations estimates that over 500,000 consumers are the victims of identity theft each year, and some law enforcement agencies believe the toll is even higher.

"Identity theft" is a term used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully uses another's personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

So What Is Phishing?

Phishing is an attempt to get you, the customer, to provide personal financial information. Its most common form is sending you an email asking you to "confirm" personal information, such as account numbers or passwords. Frequently, the email threatens to disable your account unless you reply quickly.

How To Avoid Getting Caught

Reputable companies, like Republic Bank, will never ask for personal information via email. These emails, no matter how authentic looking, are always fraudulent. If you get such an email, here's what you should do:

	Don't fill out any forms, reply to the email, or go to any site or "hotlink" provided in the email.
	Contact the institution that supposedly sent the email via phone or other legitimate means.
	Closely monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity.

If you have more questions, visit one of our Branches and meet with a personal banker. You can also go to the Federal Trade Commission's web site and read this guide to phishing.

What To Do If You Do Get Caught

From a news release by the FDIC, here are some suggestions on what to do if you think your identity has been compromised.

1) Contact the fraud department at one of the three major credit bureaus and ask that a fraud alert be placed in your file at all three companies.

2) Review your credit reports periodically and carefully and look for inconsistencies or red flags such as:

a. Accounts you didn't open

b. Debts you can't explain or inquiries from companies you haven't contacted.

3) Contact the companies where the fraudulent activity occurred, and follow up any telephone calls in writing.

4) File a police report with local police or the police department in the community where the crime took place (keep a copy of the report)

5) File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

For more information, including a presentation on what you can do, visit the FDIC’s web site at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/guard/index.html