BankAtlantic Bulletin Board: Helpful Hints to Prevent Identity Theft

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. – December 9, 2009 – BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, announced its Community Bulletin Board: Hazards and Helpful Hints of Identity Theft.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have already suffered some form of identity theft. Identity theft is a serious crime that takes many forms. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others expend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some victims of identity theft may lose out on job opportunities or be denied loans because of negative information on their credit reports.

Don’t be a victim! The best and most effective weapon to counter many forms of identity theft is awareness. Knowing how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours, monitoring your personal information to uncover any problems, and knowing how to take action when you suspect your identity and privacy has been violated.

The following checklist contains some preventative steps you can take:

• Buy a cross-cut type shredder and shred all of your important papers, pre-approved credit applications received in your name, and other financial information that provides access to your private information once you’re done with them. Don't forget to shred your credit card receipts.

• Be careful of "Dumpster Diving." Don’t throw anything away that someone could use to become you. Anything with your identifiers must be shredded before throwing away.

• Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Also, don't carry your birth certificate or passport unless necessary. Give them out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.

• Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date.

• Put passwords on all your accounts. Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Make up a fictitious word.

• Be careful at ATM's and using Phone Cards. "Shoulder Surfers" can get your "Pin Number" and get access to your accounts.

• Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop them off at a U.S. Mailbox or the U.S. Post Office. Mail theft is common.

• Do not put your social security number on your checks or your credit receipts. If a business requests your social security number, give them an alternate number and tell them why. They do not need that to identify you. If a government agency requests your social security number, there must be a privacy notice accompanying the request.

• Do not put your telephone number on your checks. Do not put your credit card account number on the Internet (unless it is encrypted on a secured site.) Don't put account numbers on the outside of envelopes, or on your checks.

• When you are asked to identify yourself at schools, employers, or any other kind of institutional identification, ask to have an alternative to your social security number. Unfortunately, your health insurance carrier often uses your social security number as your identification number. Try to change that if you can.

• Make a list of all your credit card account numbers and bank account numbers (or photocopy) with customer service phone numbers, and keep it in a safe place. Do not keep it on the hard drive of your computer if you are connected to the Internet.

• Monitor all your bank statements from every credit card every month. Check to see if there is anything that you do not recognize and call the credit grantor to verify that it is truly yours.

• Order your credit report at least twice a year. Review it carefully. Immediately correct all mistakes on your credit reports in writing. Send those letters Return Receipt Requested, and identify the problems item by item with a copy of the credit report back to the credit reporting agency. You should hear from them within 30 days.

Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it. You may also visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three agencies to order your free credit reports each year. You can also write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

If you see anything on your credit report that appears fraudulent, immediately put a fraud alert on your reports.

Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:

• Bills that do not arrive when expected
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements
• Denials of credit for no apparent reason
• Calls or letters about purchases you did not make

The Federal Trade Commission provides a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It also provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. For detailed information, visit the FTC site on fraud. 

About Neighbors 4 Neighbors: Neighbors 4 Neighbors is a non-profit organization originally created in 1992 in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew by WFOR-TV, CBS4. Neighbors 4 Neighbors operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded through foundation grants, corporate donations and pro bono airtime, staff support and facilities and resources provided by CBS4 and its sister station My33 (formerly UPN33). With the power of television as one of its greatest assets, the organization expanded its services beyond hurricane relief and evolved into one of the most effective vehicles for connecting those in need with those who can help, and has forged strong relationships with community and business leaders willing to tackle difficult issues. Research of local television viewers has proved, year after year, that Neighbors 4 Neighbors is the most identifiable public service campaign in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market and South Florida viewers respond to it in a remarkable way. To learn more about Neighbors 4 Neighbors or to become involved, call (305) 597-4404, visit http://www.neighbors4neighbors.org/n4n/, or write Neighbors 4 Neighbors, 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Miami, Florida 33172.

About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, “Florida’s Most Convenient Bank”, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches, online banking division -BankAtlantic.com, and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week with extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center and Change Exchange coin counters.
BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.

Media Relations: Sharon Lyn
Telephone: 954-940-6383
Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com