Identity Theft Protection

Identity Theft Protection

Your identity is incredibly valuable

Your good name and positive credit history allow you access to lines of credit when you need them, and can save you thousands in interest over the course of a lifetime. Andover Bank is in your corner, dedicated to safeguarding sensitive data to protect your good name.

When it comes to identity theft scams, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Learn about threats and how you can protect yourself below.

Types of Identity Theft and How to Stay Safe

Phishing is when internet fraudsters act as a familiar business to trick you into giving them your personal or financial information through an email, text, or pop-up message. Your information is then used to commit fraud on your account.

A legitimate business will never ask for your sensitive information through insecure channels (i.e. email, text, or pop-up message). Never reply to an email, text, or pop-up messages that ask you for your personal information or financial information. It is also important that you do not click on links within these types of messages, even if the message appears to be from an organization that you trust.

Viruses and spyware can capture usernames and passwords, which can then be used to commit fraud on your account. Viruses and spyware can be transferred to your computer from websites, emails, links in emails, and removable storage such as a USB drive, without your knowledge.

Install a recommended antivirus program to safeguard against these harmful programs. Consider having your computer periodically checked by a qualified company.

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to perform a fraud or other criminal acts, wreaking havoc on your finances, credit history, and reputation. Criminals can access your information in obvious ways, like stealing your wallet, or more subtle ways, like picking through your trash or gaining access to your bank or credit information.

Protect yourself by safeguarding your personal information. Never throw away ATM receipts, credit statements, credit cards, or bank statements in a usable form. Only provide your credit card number over the phone if you were the one that initiated the call. Reconcile your bank statement immediately upon receiving it. Review a copy of your credit report at least annually for unauthorized activity.

Helpful Resources

Numerous resources are available for keeping up to date on how to protect yourself. Here are Andover Bank’s recommended, trusted resources:

Identity Theft Prevention

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ID Theft For Business

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