Security Center

• Equifax -  To report fraud, call: 1-800-525-6285 and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
  • For the Auto Disclosure Line, call 1-800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report. 

• Experian -  To report fraud, call: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write:  P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013

• Trans Union -   To report fraud, call: 1-800-680-7289

  and write:  Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634   

   

  Additionally, you should also report identity theft to your local law enforcement agency and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can contact the FTC at 1-877-438-4338.

• Avoid storing confidential or otherwise sensitive passwords, bank accounts, or credit card numbers, etc. on a mobile device, because it is more likely to be lost or stolen than a computer. If you do choose to store such information on your device, make sure you use an application that encrypts the information, and choose a strong password.
• Keep your device software up to date. Apply application and operating system updates when they are released. Uninstall unused applications.
• Back up the information on your device, or make sure that it's synced with online services. Be sure you understand what information is synced automatically and what information has to be backed up manually, and plan accordingly.
• Set a PIN, password, or security pattern on the device, and configure the device to require it to be entered after a certain period of inactivity (e.g., 5 minutes). Some devices also offer a feature that will erase the information on the device if someone makes repeated attempts to unlock it using the wrong password. If you choose to enable this feature, make sure you have backups!
• Be careful about the information you keep in text messages. Even if you don't have a smart phone with Internet capabilities, it's possible to get important information, or even new passwords and access codes, "texted" to your cell. Delete text messages that contain sensitive information.
• Only install apps from official app stores, and check online reviews to get a sense of the developer's credibility. Some apps can host malware that will expose your sensitive information. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if you are not using them. When using Wi-Fi, make sure you are connecting to a known and trusted network.

• Plan your visits to the ATM during daytime hours, rather than after dark.
• Choose an ATM location that is in a busy public place.
• Keep the lowest possible transaction limit for your ATM card.
• Shield the screen and keyboard so anyone waiting to use the ATM cannot see you enter your PIN or transaction amount.
• If at all possible, take a friend along who can watch the surroundings while you are conducting the transaction.
• Pre-plan your transaction and don't spend too much time at the machine.
• When making a withdrawal, quickly place the money in your purse or wallet and leave as soon as you complete your transaction.
• Watch out for suspicious looking people waiting around an ATM. They may not be customers. If someone offers to let you go ahead of them, decline politely and leave.
• When visiting a drive-through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches your car on foot, roll up your window and drive off.
• If you have not yet completed your transaction and you are approached by a suspicious person, press the CANCEL button and leave quickly. Keep your PIN in a safe place and never give your PIN to anyone.

Missing Mail

If you receive regular notices by mail, for example your monthly bills or bank statements, be wary if some are missing or you suddenly stop receiving them. This could be a sign that your mailbox has been compromised or tampered with by a fraudster.

Suspicious Transactions on Statements

When reviewing your monthly bank statements, if there are payments to any vendor names you don't readily recognize, contact your bank to verify that the payment is legitimate. Check to ensure paid amounts are correct, cancelled or refunded transactions are removed and there are no duplicate transactions listed on your statement.

Suspicious Phone Calls

Be skeptical if you receive phone calls to send money for any reason, to update or verify personal information or notifying you that you won a contest you didn't enter. Be especially skeptical if the call quality is poor, the caller speaks broken English with an unusual accent and you are asked to act with urgency. Before acting, get a second opinion or try to verify the legitimacy of the request independently of the information provided on the phone call. 

Credit Cards or Loans you are not aware of.

If you realize that there are credit cards, loans or purchases you didn't authorize, your identity may have been compromised. Contact the issuing companies directly to notify them of the error and try to identify the source of the security breach. We recommend you check your credit history with one of the three major credit bureaus; Experian, Equifax or Trans Union, on an annual basis for inconsistencies to help prevent fraud and /or identity theft.

The Artisans' Bank Security Department is here to help assist you in preventing you from becoming a victim of fraud. If you believe you have become a victim of fraud, contact your local police department and our Security Department at 302-884-6571.