Identity Theft

If you suspect your personal information has been used to commit fraud or theft, contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus and request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file. At the same time, request a copy of your credit report. Follow up in writing and include copies (not originals) of your documentation, such as the police report or your credit card statement with circles around the items in question.

Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, and request a return receipt so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.

File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Ask for a copy of the report. Credit card companies may need proof of the crime to erase the debts caused by identity theft.

By sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important information that can help law enforcement officials across the nation track down identity thieves and stop them. The FTC can refer victims' complaints to other government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate companies for violations of laws the agency enforces.

You can file a complaint:

• online at IdentityTheft.gov,
• by phone at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261,
• or by mail:
  Identity Theft Clearinghouse
  Federal Trade Commission
  600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20580

Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional information or problems.

Some suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim of phishing or pharming:

• Never click on links in email text
• Be suspicious of any email that does not end with a .com domain name
• Ensure that the website is secure
• Update Internet browsers and Windows operating systems
• Never act upon any email or pop-up ad that asks for personal or financial information
• Review bank and credit card statements immediately
• Report suspicious activity to your bank
• Report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission.

This problem is not going away, nor is there any foolproof solution for it. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact us immediately.

We have been made aware that some cardholders are receiving phone calls from an automated voice service (AVS) stating that there is an issue with their debit card. At this time the calls are only occurring in Pennsylvania. The recording asks the cardholder to provide personal information over the phone.

Please note that this is a Phishing Scam: you should disconnect immediately and NEVER provide any information to the AVS. If you did provide personal information to this AVS, please contact us immediately at 215.789.4200 so that we may close your account and reissue your card to avoid future fraud.

Don't do these:

• Don't use the same password for everything.
• Avoid using obvious words (like "password") or number sequences (like "123456789").
• Also avoid family member, partner, pet, sports idol and team names.
• In fact, avoid using single words that can be found in the dictionary.
• Don't use your login or username in your password.

Although most consumers create passwords that are easy to remember, that makes it easy for hackers, as well.

Do these instead:

• Use a combination of letters in upper and lower case with numbers and symbols placed between the letters.
• Make your password at least eight characters. (A 15-character password is 33,000 times stronger that an 8-character password).
• Some internet security experts advise combining three or more random words with a number and special characters to create a password
  • (such as ForkTigerUmbrella9302&!, for example) or use words from a song lyric (IleftmyheartinSanFranciscoin1979*&%$).
• Never share your password with anyone, and never enter your password on a computer you do not control (public facilities).
• Change your password frequently (about every month or so).

Follow These Tips:

• Don't leave your computer on overnight.
• Connect only to trusted websites that you know. Avoid downloading information from sites you do not know.
• Be sure that when you are exchanging secure information online, you see the lock icon displayed at the bottom of your PC screen in the locked position, to indicate a secure session.
• Install security updates to your system regularly.
• Always be aware of your surroundings when traveling: don't be a target for "snatch & run" criminals
  • Never leave your laptop unattended.
  • Never place your laptop with checked baggage when traveling.
  • Do not leave your laptop in your hotel room, car, conference room or restaurant.
  • Don't use a computer bag to carry your laptop (it's like hanging out a sign to thieves).
  • Keep your laptop's serial number in a separate, safe location in case you need to file a report with police.

Thieves use a device that can capture the magnetic-stripe and keypad information when you input your PIN (Personal Identification Number) at ATMs, gas pumps, or retailers. Once they have your information, they can take cash from your bank account.

Follow these tips:

• Signature-based debit card transactions offer you a higher level of security. We recommend that you always say "credit" when asked by the merchant and sign for your purchases.
  • Choosing the "credit" option does not mean that you are using a "credit card," it simply selects the processing method your transaction will use. The funds are automatically deducted from your checking account.
  • Signature-based in-store, mail, phone and Internet transactions enjoy the added benefits of MasterCard's Zero Liability protection from unauthorized purchases.
• If you require cash back (an amount over the purchase amount and available only at some merchants), you must say 'debit' and enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number) on a keypad.
  • The funds are still automatically deducted from your checking account. When you enter your PIN, shield the keypad so no one sees what you enter.
  • If you use your debit card at gas pumps (which are notorious for skimming) choose the screen prompt that identifies it as a credit card, so that you don't have to enter your PIN.
• Use ATMs at banks. Thieves have to attach a skimming device to an ATM and then retrieve the device. It's much easier for them at a non-bank ATM.
• Sign your card immediately upon receipt.
• When using your card, always keep it in your sight.
• Safeguard your account number and never keep you card and PIN in the same location.
• Do not give your PIN to anyone. If you feel it may have been compromised, contact us immediately to have your PIN changed.
• Always obtain merchant receipts and destroy carbon copies.
• Monitor your bank statements regularly.

If you suspect you are the victim of fraudulent charges, contact the bank immediately at 215.789.4200.