Safeguard Your Personal Information

Identify theft occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. It can cost you time and money, destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
  • Shred financial documents and paperwork containing personal information before you discard them.
  • Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
  • Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know whom you are dealing with.
  • Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails. Instead, stick with web addresses you know and trust. Use firewall, antispyware and antivirus software to protect your home computer (and keep this software updated). Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
  • Don't use an obvious password, such as your birth date, your mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help or are having work done in your house.
ATM/Debit Card Tips | What To Do If You're a Victim


Tips When Using Your ATM or Debit Card from NBT Bank
Avoid giving out personal information. Remember that your personal identification number of PIN is private, so never give that out.
  • Unless required for a legitimate business purpose, avoid providing your:
  • Address and ZIP code
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Card or account number
  • Card expiration date
Be cautious in stores and at ATMs. When using your card in a store or at an ATM, make sure you:
  • Take your card to the cash register; do not let cashiers take your card out of your sight
  • Conceal your card and PIN
  • Try to prevent anyone near you from seeing your transactions
  • Watch for cell-phone cameras, mirrors or other devices used to view cards and PINs
  • Go to another ATM if you notice any unusual activity at the one you are using
Be cautious online. You should never respond to unsolicited e-mails that:
  • Ask you to verify your card or account number (such e-mails are not sent by legitimate businesses)
  • Provide a link to websites (such sites look legitimate, but they may collect your personal data or put spyware on your computer)
If you have any questions about your ATM or debit card, please contact your local NBT Bank office or our Call Center at 1-800-NBT-BANK (1-800-628-2265).

Routinely monitor your financial accounts and billing statements. Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
  • Bills that don't arrive as expected
  • Unexpected credit cards or account statements
  • Denials of credit for no apparent reason
  • Calls or letters about purchases you didn't make
On a regular basis, inspect:
  • Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill-paying history.
    1. The law requires the major nationwide consumer-reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
    2. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, a service created by the three companies mentioned above, to order your free credit reports each year. You can also call 1-877-322-8228 or write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

  • Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and billing statements frequently, looking for charges you didn't make.
The Federal Trade Commission is the source for this information. To learn more about identity theft visit ftc.gov/idtheft. Or request copies of identity theft resources by writing to: Consumer Response Center Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, H-130 Washington, DC 20580.

What To Do If You're a Victim
Place a "fraud alert" on your credit reports, and review these reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer-reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert. A call to one of these companies is sufficient:
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742)
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. If you notice these or other suspicious activities, do the following:
  • Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
    1. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your approval. Follow up, in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
    2. Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
    3. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
    4. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
  • File a police report. File a report with law enforcement agencies to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
  • Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement agencies across the country in their investigations.
    1. Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
    2. By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); the TTY number is 1-866-653-4261
    3. By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580



























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