Attorney General Steve Six reminds Kansans not to give out personal information over the phone or in response to unsolicited emails.
Recently, many?Kansans have received automated phone calls claiming that their bank account information had been compromised. The automated caller then requests access to personal account information.
Consumers should never provide personal information over the phone without first confirming the identity of the caller. Consumers should hang-up and contact their bank directly.
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to commit financial fraud or other crimes. Personal information includes your name, address, driver’s license number, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, birth date, bank account, credit card, or PIN number.
How to Protect Yourself:
Never provide personal financial information, including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords, over the phone or the Internet if you did not initiate the contact.
Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you believe is fraudulent.
Do not be intimidated by an e-mail or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
If you believe the contact may be legitimate, contact the financial institution yourself. You can find phone numbers and Web sites on the monthly statements you receive from your financial institution, or you can look the company up in a phone book or on the Internet and contact them directly.
Never provide your password over the phone or in response to an unsolicited phone or Internet request. A financial institution would never ask you to verify your account information on the phone or online.
Review account statements regularly to ensure all charges are correct.
If your account statement is late in arriving, call your financial institution to find out why. If your financial institution offers electronic account access, periodically review activity online to catch suspicious activity.
Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Kansas Office of Attorney General at (800) 432-2310.??
What to do if you fall victim to identity theft:
Contact your financial institution immediately and alert it to the situation.
Call the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your file, preventing thieves from opening a new account in your name.
Equifax, 800-525-6285
Experian, 888-397-374
TransUnion, 800-680-7289
Call the security numbers located on the back of your stolen credit cards. These numbers can also be found on your credit card billing statements.
Report the theft to Attorney General Steve Six’s Office..
