Identity Theft

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Knowledge is your best defense against Identity Theft. Avoid online fraud by protecting your personal information and learn tips to understand and avoid ID theft. Should your identity be compromised, Veritex Community Bank offers a list of steps that help you deal with ID theft if you become a victim.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

• Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request.
• Do not have your driver's license number, telephone number, or Social Security number printed on your Veritex checks.
• If someone asks for your Social Security number, ask why it's needed and how it will be used.
• Never carry your Social Security card with you.
• Remove your Social Security number from your driver's license. (If permitted by state law.)

You are only as strong as your Password
You are your own best defense against identity theft. One of the easiest steps to protecting your self is using a strong online password. To help you from becoming a victim of this crime, we recommend the following Password Tips:

• Make passwords as non-personal as possible. Don’t use birthdays, addresses or phone numbers.
• Never use your name as your password.
• Create a strong password that includes numbers and special characters or symbols.
• Make sure your User ID and password are different.
• Never write your password down to share it with anyone.
• Change your password immediately if you think anyone knows it.
• Change or rotate your passwords regularly.
• Do not use the same password for every system you access.

Practice common-sense security

• When you go out, take only the personal identification and credit cards you believe you will need. This is most important when you travel.
• Keep photocopies of all important information (driver’s license, passport, credit cards, etc.) and store them in a secure place such as a safe deposit box.
• When shopping don’t put receipts in the same bag as your purchases. Be very careful not to leave your receipts behind on counters or at gas pumps.
• Keep track of when your credit cards expire and notify the issuers promptly if they have not arrived.
• Be careful where you leave personal information in your home, especially if you have outside help or are having work done on your home.
• Store your canceled checks and new checks in a secure place.
• Report any lost or stolen checks, debit, or credit cards IMMEDIATELY.
• Review your credit report at least once a year to check for inaccuracies.

Avoid Mail-Related Risks

• Enroll in Online Statements and no longer receive paper statements in the mail. This helps to reduce the threat of having your statements stolen out of your mailbox. If you see a suspicious item, call the billing company immediately for further investigation.
• If you do not receive bills on time, call the companies to find out why. You want to be sure that no one has filed a false change of address notification on your behalf.
• Don’t leave outgoing mail in your home mailbox. Drop it into a secure, official Postal Service collection box.
• Stop mail delivery while you are on vacation or ask a neighbor to pick it up for you daily.
• Always shred important documents such as bank statements and items received in the mail before throwing them away. Most fraud and identity theft happens as a result of mail and garbage theft.
• Consider opting out of unsolicited credit offers. Call 888-5-OPTOUT (888-567-8688)