Identity Theft

Identity theft can be defined as the unauthorized use of someone's confidential information. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Commerce Bank is concerned about identity theft, and strives to minimize the risk to our customers. That is why we affirm the identity of persons who contacts us before discussing account matters.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has released an on-line multimedia education tool that consumers can use to learn how to better protect their computers and themselves from identity thieves. The presentation also features actions consumers can take if their personal information has been compromised. You can view that presentation by following this link.

You may learn more about identity theft and how you can protect yourself from being a victim by going to FTC ID Theft Site or download the FDIC Identity Theft Brochure:
Identity Theft Brochure

Here are some tips to protect yourself from this crime:

• Don't give your Social Security number over the phone unless it's absolutely necessary and you know the identity of the person requesting the information.
• Don't carry your Social Security number with you, or print it on your checks. 
• Be wary of giving out other identifying information, such as birthplace and mother's maiden name unless you are sure of the person requesting the information. This information is often used by financial institutions for identification purposes.
• Lock your mailbox. If that is not possible, empty it as soon as possible after mail delivery.
• Don't leave letters for pickup in your mailbox. Put them in a secure U.S. Postal Service box or take them to the post office.
• Check your credit report at the three national credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union) at least annually and look for unauthorized activity.
• Closely review your monthly statements to spot unauthorized activity.
• Buy a paper shredder and use it to dispose of old financial records (including tax returns), pre-approved credit card offers and any other documents that may contain identifying information.
• Don't leave behind receipts that have credit or debit card numbers at ATM's, stores or gas pumps.
• Don't put credit card or personal information on a website unless you know that it is secure.
• Don't give out credit-card or bank-account numbers over the phone unless you are positive you are speaking with a trusted merchant.

If you should fall victim to identity theft, follow these steps as quickly as you can:

• Contact the three national credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union) and ask them to attach a "fraud alert" to your credit file. Each has a website and a toll free number.
• Contact all your creditors (by phone and in writing) to inform them of the problem.
• Contact the local police. They may be able to act under state consumer protection laws.
• If mail use is suspected, notify your local postmaster.
• Alert Commerce Bank immediately so we can then watch for any unusual activity or suggest other means of protecting your account.
• Request that any Personal Identification Numbers ("PINs") or passwords used for account access are changed.

Contact the credit bureaus below for a copy of your Credit Report:

Equifax:
(800) 525-6285 - to report fraud
(800) 685-1111 - to order credit report

Experian:
(888) 397-3742 - to report fraud
(888) 397-3742 - to order credit report

Trans Union:
(800) 680-7289 - to report fraud
(800) 916-8800 - to order credit report

FTC - Your Access to Free Credit Reports:
Online: Click here.

Major Check Verification Companies:
Telecheck - (800) 710-9898
Equifax - (800) 437-5120

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Response Center:
Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
TDD: (202) 326-2502
By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20580
Online: Click here.

Social Security Administration (SSA):
By telephone: (800) 269-0271
By mail: SSA Fraud Hotline
PO Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235

U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS):
Online: Click here.

Massachusetts Attorney General's office:
Contact the Attorney General's Consumer Complaint Information Section at: (617) 727-8400.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the protection of your financial identity please don't hesitate to call Commerce Bank & Trust 1-800-698-2265.

Please click here to read our Privacy Statement.