The Attala County Library, in conjunction with Renasant Bank and Renasant Insurance, last week presented a program on identity theft.
Presenters Martha Hearon and Jenny McCrory started with a risk assessment for patrons to fill out. Audience members had to judge themselves on whether or not they were at high risk for identity theft by answering true or false to 15 statements:
I shred all financial documents before disposing of them.
I do not carry my Social Security card with me.
I never leave my wallet or electronic devices unattended.
When I go on vacation, I place a hold on my mail or have a trusted person pick it up for me.
I review each of my credit reports annually.
I do not download files or click on links in emails sent from people I do not know.
I review my statements every month.
I always make sure the site is secure before entering my personal information online.
I am aware of all my due dates and know immediately if a bill is missing.
I do not carry my checkbook with me unless I am planning to use it.
I never reveal personal information unless I initiated the contact and know exactly who I am dealing with.
I have up-to-date anti-virus/anti-spyware software installed on my computer.
I do not store sensitive personal or financial information on my laptop, tablet, or phone.
I make sure no one is standing close to me when I enter my PIN.
All of my account passwords are too complicated for anyone to guess.
Hearon and McCrory then talked about ways to lower risks, including not replying to “phishing” emails, “vishing” phone calls and “smishing” text messages that try to trick you into giving out personal information. The urged potential victims to immediately notify their bank or credit card company if an account shows withdrawals or purchases not made by the patron, reporting errors on bank or credit card statements in a timely manner, and not using the outside lanes of gas stations since that is where more skimming of debit and credit cards happens.
Both Hearon and McCrory gave personal examples of people who had been scammed.
Hearon said she helped a customer who had both his wallet and his cell phone stolen.
“His bank account information, social security card, email and other identifying characteristics were all taken. The thief opened credit accounts in his name and took a sum of money from his bank account,” she said.
McCrory provided the example of an elderly woman who replied to a phishing email and the criminal was able to hack into her computer.
“All of her personal information was taken, and she had to get her computer refurbished after the event,” said McCrory.
Hearon also warned against putting out financial information on shopping websites.
“Make sure the website is secure and never order anything through Facebook,” she told those in attendance. Instead, she suggested exiting Facebook and going to the company website to insure security.
Michael Hatcher with Renasant Insurance then discussed identity theft insurance with those attending.
“Although you use this insurance when it’s too late (identity already stolen), it can be helpful to you in recovering losses you may have incurred,” Hatcher said.
Hearon said that most banks will assist their customers in the case of a scam.
“If you are a victim of identity theft, your bank will help you. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is also a good resource for identity theft, and its website lists a number of the scams that are used on people,” said Hearon.
McCrory also cautioned about giving money to charities.
“Make sure the charity is legitimate. If they call wanting money, tell them no until you have time to research that charity,” she said.
After lunch and the presentation, Hearon, McCrory and Hatcher answered questions from the audience.
