Online Security
Keys to Protecting Your Information
Protecting your financial and personal information is more important than ever before. From identity theft to credit and debit card fraud, there are ways for you to protect yourself, or if necessary, recover money that’s been taken from you.
Identity Theft Prevention
Constant vigilance and early detection are vital when stopping identity theft, but there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of having your identity stolen.
- Don’t share your Social Security Number or carry your card with you.
- Take note of your monthly mail to make sure bills and bank statements arrive when they’re supposed to and are addressed correctly.
- Stop your mail if you will be traveling to make sure no one can take materials from your mailbox.
If you believe your identity has been stolen, the first thing you need to do is contact one of the national credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – to place a fraud alert on your credit reports and request a copy of your credit report. You’ll also need to file an identity theft report, which consists of two documents:
- A complaint to the Federal Trade Commission
- A police report filed in the area where the identity theft occurred.
Credit Card & Debit Card Security
Your credit and debit cards are valuable tools that can help you make quick transactions at businesses all over the world, but they must be used responsibly. Don’t ever give out your credit card or debit card information to someone you don’t know or trust, whether you’re making a purchase online or over the phone.
If you believe your card has been lost or stolen, call First National Bank of Muscatine at 563-263-4221 during normal business hours to speak with a bank employee or call 800-442-4757 at any time to speak with a credit card representative.
Best Practices
We’re here for you if you have any questions or issues with online security. We also have resources that allow you to browse solutions and best practices for fraud prevention.