Don’t Become a Victim of Identity Theft

How does someone steal your identity?  They steal your personal information such as your name, social security number, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or other personal information.  They then use that information to pose as YOU and make fraudulent purchases, money transfers, etc. at YOUR expense.

Identity theft is a serious crime – one that can take months or years to recover from if you are the victim.  We at Teche Bank & Trust Company want you to understand some common terms, examples of how internet thieves get your information, and how you can protect yourself.  We also want to be sure you know that you should act IMMEDIATELY if you feel like your information has been compromised.  Please refer to the following links for some helpful information

Phishing and Identity Theft – What’s it all about?
How to Avoid Being a Victim

Teche Bank & Trust Company will never ask you to disclose confidential information via email.  If you have any questions regarding a suspicious communication that appears to be originated from Teche Bank & Trust Company, call (337) 394-9726 for assistance.

What to do if you fall victim:

• Contact your financial institution immediately and alert it to the situation.


• If you have disclosed sensitive information in a phishing attack, you should also contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file, which will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name. Here is the contact information for each bureau’s fraud division:
  
  Equifax
  800-525-6285
  P.O. Box 740250
  Atlanta , GA 30374
  
  Experian
  888-397-3742
  P.O. Box 1017
  Allen, TX 75013
  
  TransUnion
  800-680-7289
  P.O. Box 6790
  Fullerton , CA 92634


• Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.

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