Americana Community Bank Provides Tips to Protect Your Identity

CHANHASSEN, Minn. - Oct. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- [Sleepy Eye, Minn.] – Accordingto the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft has topped its list of consumer complaints every year for the last 12 years. Identity theft occurs when a criminal obtains and misuses someone’s personal information without permission, typically for economic gain. For many victims, it can result in drained bank accounts, poor credit, and a damaged reputation.

“Americana Community Bank recognizes the devastating effects identity theft can have on an individual,” says Adam Dittrich, Americana Community Bank President and CEO. “Our goal is to work together with our customers to make sure every precaution is taken to safeguard their personal data.”

In honor of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Americana Community Bank offers the following tips to help consumers protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft:

Don’t share your secrets.
Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.

Shred sensitive papers.
Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.

Keep an eye out for missing mail.
Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.

Use online banking to protect yourself.
Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.

Monitor your credit report.
Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.

Protect your computer.
Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.

Protect your mobile device.
Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.

Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

2012 Maple Grove Patch “Best Of” winner and Minnesota Bankers Association Community Champion, Americana Community Bank (ACB) is a full-service community bank providing down-to-earth consumer and commercial financial services in Sleepy Eye, Chanhassen, Maple Grove and Minnetonka, Minn. Chartered in 1881 as The State Bank of Sleepy Eye, ACB has actively participated in and supported the communities it serves for more than 130 years. Adam Dittrich, ACB President/CEO, was named a Rising Star Banker by North-Western Financial Review in July 2012.