Ways to Prevent Identity Theft

Protect Your Passwords and PINs

Do not share your passwords and/or PINs with others. You also should not store your passwords and/or PINs on your computer. If you need to write down your passwords or PINs, store them in a secure, private place. You should change your passwords and PINs regularly and use a different password and PIN for each of your accounts. When setting up a password, it is best practice to include numbers and letters or symbols.

Maintain Your Computer Security

Personal firewalls and security software packages (with anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection features) are recommended for those who engage in online transactions in order to protect your identity.

Don’t Respond to Emails/Phone Calls Requesting Personal Information

Farmers State Bank will not ask you to provide or verify sensitive information through email or phone call. Farmers State Bank will not request your identifying information, because all of your identifying information is already on file. It is best to call the bank yourself using the number in the phone book or on your statement when responding to requests for information.

Read Your Statements

Read all of your monthly account statements thoroughly to make sure that all transaction are authorized by the accountholder(s). Be sure that Farmers State Bank has current contact information on you, including your mailing address, telephone number, and email address. If you see an error on your statement or do not receive a statement, contact Farmers State Bank's Bookkeeping Department at 706-359-3131.

Secure Your Confidential Documents

Keep all of your financial documents in a secure place and be careful how you dispose of documents from Farmers State Bank or other confidential information. Documents from Farmers State Bank and other companies that include your identifying information or account information should be shredded.

Safeguard Your Social Security Number

Do not use your Social Security number as a username or password. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place and avoid carrying it with you. You should also be sure to safeguard the social security numbers of any dependents.

A Periodic “Identity Theft” Check

Reviewing your credit report may alert you to inaccuracies and unauthorized activity. You can obtain a free credit report every 12 months from one of the three credit bureaus by contacting the Annual Credit Report Request Service at www.annualcreditreport.com. Be aware that you will have to disclose your Social Security number to obtain this report.