By: First Community Bank
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The holidays are here, meaning parties andbrgatherings, shopping and gift exchanges—and increased opportunity for identitybrtheft. Those who make their living scamming others find greater opportunitybrthis time of year, knowing shoppers are out using credit and debit cards morebrfrequently both in stores and online and pulling out cash at ATMs all whilebrbeing busy and more distracted.
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When someonebrsuccessfully steals your personal information, it can be used in a variety ofbrways including running up charges on your credit cards or even opening new cards,brstealing money from your bank account, or accessing your health insurance tobrreceive medical treatment.
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So when you’re shopping this holiday season, be extra vigilantbrin guarding your personal information.
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· Make sure your wallet is secure atbrall times
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· Don’t place your credit or debit cardbron a checkout counter where someone could snap a photo
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· Cover card readers when enteringbryour pin
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· Be aware of skimming devices and cautiousbrwhen using ATMs, particularly if it appears to have been tampered with
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· Stick with verified retailer websitesbrwhile shopping online—don’t get fooled into clicking on links or going tobrbargain websites you’re not familiar with
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· Always look for the lock symbol atbrthe top of the web page before entering your payment information
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One resource for identity theft victims is the Federal TradebrCommission’s IdentityTheft.gov website where you’ll find everything from tipsbron how to spot identity theft and what to do if your info is lost or stolen tobractually helping you create a recovery plan with sample letters and helpfulbrcontact information.
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According to the FTC, here are a few of the key warningbrsigns your information may have been stolen.
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· You see withdrawalsbrfrom your bank account you can’t explain.
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· You don’t get yourbrbills or other mail.
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· Debt collectors callbryou about debts that aren’t yours.
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· You find unfamiliarbraccounts or charges on your credit report.
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· Medical providers billbryou for services you didn’t use.
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· You get notice thatbryour information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you dobrbusiness or have an account.
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Ifbryou are a victim, go to the IdentityTheft.gov website where you can create abrtheft report and develop a recovery plan for the specific type of fraud youbrencountered.
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Here’sbrwishing you and yours a happy—and safe—holiday season!
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Learn more about First Community Bank at fcbot.com. || Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
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