Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing forms of financial fraud. A criminal can steal your financial identity with as little as your Social Security number. This type of fraud, commonly referred to as "account-takeover fraud" or "true-name fraud," involves criminals assuming your identity to apply for credit, accumulate large debts, and leave you to face the consequences.

To protect our customers, we monitor purchasing activities for unusual patterns and block transactions if suspicious activity is detected on your FSBT debit card. If you’re traveling, moving, or making purchases from foreign or distant retailers, please call us at (800) 877-3728 in advance, so we can ensure uninterrupted service.

Online Protection Tips

The internet provides endless opportunities to connect, shop, and learn, but also creates openings for criminals. 
To stay safe online, follow these precautions:

Personal Information Security 

• Limit the amount of personal information you store online, including bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers. 

• Keep a handwritten list of your passwords and avoid saving it on your computer. 
  
  

Best Practices for Passwords 

• Use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols in your passwords. 

• Never use sensitive information like your Social Security number or PINs as passwords. 

• Avoid saving website passwords in your browser; select "no" if prompted. 

• Disable auto-complete features in your browser. 
  
  

Additional Precautions 

• After completing online banking or shopping, always log out and close your browser. 

• If possible, refrain from saving credit card information on online shopping sites.

Recognizing and Avoiding Fraudulent Emails 

Fraudulent emails are pervasive and often seem legitimate.
Use these tips to protect yourself: 

• Be cautious of unsolicited money requests, especially those offering repayment with excessive returns. 

• Delete emails claiming you’ve won the lottery or offering prescription medications. 

• Watch for odd subject lines with excessive symbols. 

• Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails. Instead, manually type the website's URL in a new browser window to verify its validity. 

• Do not open unexpected email attachments. Disable automatic attachment previews in email software. 

• Keep antivirus software updated and ensure it scans all incoming emails. 

• Never include sensitive information like account numbers, PINs, or your Social Security number in emails—call instead.

 

Staying Safe from Fraudulent Phone Calls 

Protect yourself from phone scams with these measures: 

• Never provide personal or credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call. 

• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry by visiting www.DoNotCall.gov or calling 888-382-1222. 

• Remember, the National Do Not Call Registry blocks most telemarketing calls, but some, such as those from charities or political organizations, may still occur. 

• If telemarketers contact you, request to be added to their company’s “do not call” list. 

Avoiding Mail Scams and Fraud 

Mail can also be a target for scams. These tips can help you stay protected: 

• Shred pre-approved credit offers, receipts, or any documents linking your name to account numbers before disposing of them. 

• When paying bills, avoid placing them in your mailbox with the red flag up; instead, deposit them at the nearest post office. 

Tips for Action If You’re a Victim 

If you suspect identity theft, act immediately by following these steps: 

1. Contact Local Authorities

   • Report the crime to your local police department and request a case number. 

2. Reach Out to Credit Bureaus

   • Inform all three credit bureaus and ask them to flag your account as compromised. Add a victim’s statement to your reports, requesting creditors verify applications in person.

     • TransUnion Fraud Assistance Department: 800-680-7289

     • Equifax Fraud Assistance Department: 800-525-6285

     • Experian Fraud Assistance Department: 888-397-3742 

3. Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

   • Call the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline at (877) IDTHEFT. Their counselors can assist with next steps. Visit consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft for resources like the Identity Theft Affidavit. 

4. Alert Your Banks

   • Contact your banks immediately to get new account numbers for checking, savings, or credit accounts. Change PINs for ATM and debit cards.

     • For lost or stolen First State Bank & Trust Co., Inc. ATM/Debit Cards, call during business hours at (800) 877-3728 or after hours at (888) 297-3416. 

5. Inform the Postal Inspector

   • If you suspect mail theft, report it as this is a felony offense. 

6. Other Contacts as Needed

   • Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 if necessary to obtain a new Social Security number.

   • Notify utility providers (phone, water, gas, and electricity) to flag your accounts. 

7. Maintain Records

   • Keep a detailed log of all communications with authorities and creditors, noting names, titles, and phone numbers for follow-up. 

 

 

Learn Online Security Tips on our Financial Education page, or visit www.ftc.gov or iafci.org for more information.