IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION

 Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information (i.e., name, social security number, date of birth, official State or government issued driver’s license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer or taxpayer identification number) to open new bank accounts, loans, or initiate transactions.

 Prevention

 In order to protect your personal information, we suggest you take the following precautions: 

  • Store personal documents, such as your Social Security card, passport or birth certificate, in a secure place.  Do not carry these documents, unless absolutely necessary.

  • Limit the number of credit cards or checks you carry.

  • Cancel unused credit cards and contact the creditor informing them to close the account.  Destroy any card before discarding it.

  • Do not place outgoing mail in your mailbox.  Preferably, deposit into a US Postal mailbox or at the post office to prevent mail from being stolen.

  • Do not leave your mail sitting in your mailbox.  Collect it promptly to prevent it from being stolen.

  • Know the billing and statement cycles of your credit and bank accounts to ensure you receive them when expected.

  • Shred documents that contain personal or financial information.

  • Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated contact or know the business with which you are dealing.

  • Be wary of unsolicited emails requesting account information and password (Phishing Scams).  Online thieves may forward emails that appear to be from legitimate sources.  Do not click on links on unsolicited emails, as this may give thieves access to your computer, activate viruses or spyware which can capture your keystrokes or search in your computer for personal details.  Please note:  LOS ANGELES NATIONAL BANK will never request personal account and password information via email or telephone.  Report and forward any suspicious emails from Los Angeles National Bank to (714) 670-2400.

  • If you suspect email fraud, do not respond.  If possible, forward the email without changing or retyping the subject line to the respective company that appears as sender.  Once you have done this, you should delete the email.

  • Decrease the number of unsolicited credit card applications that you receive.  The fewer credit card applications you receive, the less likely it is that one will be stolen.  Please call National Consumer Reporting Agencies at (888) 5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) to opt out of unsolicited credit applications.

  • To remove your name from direct mail or telemarketing lists of members of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), forward a written request with your name, address, and Social Security Number (if it was included in the mailer received) to:

 DMA Mail Preference Service

P.O. Box 643

Carmel, NY  10512

 DMA Telephone Preference Service

P.O. Box 1559

Carmel, NY  10512

 www.dmaconsumers.org 

  • Ensure your home computer has current anti-virus software and an installed firewall to guard your computer from new viruses and prevent unauthorized access.

  • Memorize your PIN; do not write it on your ATM or Debit card or keep it written on a piece of paper somewhere in your wallet.  Create hard to guess passwords that contain combinations of letters and numbers.

Reporting Identity Theft

 If you are the victim of Identity Theft, we recommend you perform the following:

  • Carefully review all your accounts to identify all unauthorized transactions and promptly close your compromised accounts in order to prevent additional unauthorized transactions.

  • Inform your local law enforcement agency.

  • Contact each of the three credit bureaus and order your report to verify for accuracy.  In addition, request that each of the credit bureaus place a “Fraud Alert” on your file.  This will require creditors to verify your identity before opening any new accounts in your name or changing any existing accounts.

 Equifax, www.equifax.com or (800) 525-6285

Experian Information Solutions, www.experian.com or (888) 397-3742

TransUnion, www.transunion.com or (800) 680-7289 

  • Complete an Identity Theft Affidavit found on www.consumer.gov/idtheft or contact the Federal Trade Commission [(FTC) http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/]  1-877-IDTheft (877-438-4338) for additional information.

  • Victims of Identity Theft requesting information involving Los Angeles National Bank should provide the following items:

 1.     A written request to the Bank for records, to include:

 - All relevant information known by you about any transaction alleged to be a           

  result of identity theft.

  - Include the date of the application or transaction.

  - Other identifying information used, such as an account or transaction  

    number.

 2.     Include identifying information with proof of positive identification

 Attach a photocopy of your government issued identification card.

            3.     Submit your proof of claim:

 Proof of claim of identity theft, consisting of each of the following:

 -        A copy of a police report evidencing the claim of identity theft.

-        Properly completed ID Theft Affidavit available by the Federal Trade Commission (ID Theft Affidavit and instructions are available at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.

 4.     Mail your claim package to the following address or drop it off at any one of our branches:

 Los Angeles National Bank

ATTN:  Loss Prevention

7025 Orangethorpe Ave.

Buena Park, CA  90621

Bank Security 

  • Report lost or stolen cards and checks immediately.

  • Review your account statements carefully and report any unauthorized charges promptly.

  • Store your new and cancelled checks in a secure place.  Carry your checkbook only when necessary.

  • Exercise caution when using the ATM and be aware of the surroundings, especially at night or in isolated areas.

  ATM Safety

  • Park near the ATM in a well-lighted area.

  • Have someone accompany you when possible, especially at night.

  • Do not approach a dark ATM.

  • Do not accept assistance from anyone while using the ATM.

  • Do not display your cash.  Place the money in your wallet and count it later in the safety of your office or home.

  • Save your transaction slips and check them against your statements regularly.

  • Prepare deposits at home to minimize your time at the ATM.

  • Safeguard your PIN and do not write it on your card or carry it in your wallet.

  • Maintain your card in a secure place as you would with cash, checks, and credit cards.

 For stolen checks, call your home branch or (714) 670-2400 immediately.  In addition, contact the following companies:

  • Certegy, Inc.,               (800) 437-5120

  • SCAN                          (800) 262-7771

  • TeleCheck                   (800) 710-9898

 For stolen mail, notify the Postal Inspection Service at your local post office or at www.usps.com/.

 To report fraudulent use of your social security number, call the Social Security Hotline at (800) 269-0271. 

Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles office at www.dmv.org/ when you suspect someone has utilized or is attempting to use your name and information to obtain a driver’s license or identification card in your name.