Avoid Identity Theft and Online Fraud
Scams such as Spoofing and Phishing to commit identity theft are becoming more prevalent. Protecting your personal information from identity theft is a crucial matter and there are many ways the unscrupulous can gain access to such information. Identity theft involves the use of your personal information - such as your name, Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers, or other identifying information - by someone else, to commit fraud or other crimes.
- E-mail Phishing - Involves you receiving an e-mail that appears to be from a legitimate company, such as TD Bank. It may even include the company's logo and a link to an Internet address that looks appropriate. This e-mail directs you to link to a website where you are to supply account or personal information. However, simply clicking the link could secretly install software on your computer. The software may infect your computer with a virus or record and transmit everything you type, including passwords. Additionally, the website you link to may be spoofing the correct Internet site.
- Website Spoofing - Involves you trying to visit a website but accidentally keying-in or linking-to a different address. This may lead you to a website that mimics the legitimate site that you were trying to visit. The spoof Internet site may route whatever information you provide to criminals. This can include your account numbers, Social Security Numbers, credit card information, passwords and personal identification numbers. To make spoof sites seem legitimate, criminals may use the logos, graphics, names and code of the real company's site. They also may attempt to fake the URL that appears in the address field at the top of your browser window and the padlock that appears in the lower right corner.
If you receive what may be a phishing e-mail or visit what might be a spoof website referring to TD Bank, and if by chance you have provided any personal information, please contact us immediately at:
1-888-751-9000
If the e-mail or website had references to another company, you should contact that company directly.
Take Control
The best advice is to be cautious and take control of your personal information.
Protect Yourself Online
- Do not reply to an e-mail or pop-up message asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies like TD Bank will never ask for personal or financial information via an e-mail or pop-up message.
- Don't e-mail personal or financial information. If you initiate a transaction, look for indicators that the message is secured, which can be validated by a lock icon. Most e-mail programs do not provide confidentiality via encryption.
- Use bookmarks to access known sites to avoid being lured to imposter sites
- Use updated anti-virus software. Some phishing emails contain viruses and software that can harm your computer.
Other Ways To Protect Yourself
- Shred unwanted documents that contain personal information.
- Review credit card and bank statements immediately for unauthorized charges and contact the company if statements are more than a few days late.
- Don't leave mail in your mailbox.
- Memorize your Social Security number instead of carrying it with you.
- Don't write down your passwords, and don't use birth dates or names of family members as passwords.
- Take your receipts from ATMs, gas pumps, etc.
- Report lost or stolen credit and debit cards immediately!
Review Your Credit Report
Consumers should obtain a copy of their credit report for review at least once a year:
Get More Information
For additional information on phishing and identity theft, go to the Federal Trade Commission's Website at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft.
Important Contact Information if You've Been a Victim of Identity Theft
- Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft Clearing House
Hotline: 877-438-4338
IDD: 202-326-2502
Website: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
- Social Security Administration
Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
| Credit Reporting Agencies |
- Experian
To request a credit report and/or to report fraud: 888-397-3742
Website: www.experian.com
- Equifax
To request a credit report: 800-685-1111 Option 4
To report fraud: 800-525-6285
Website: www.equifax.com
- TransUnion Corporation
To request a credit report: 800-916-8800
To report fraud: 800-680-7289
Website: www.transunion.com
TD Bank is Here to Help!
Call us toll-free for assistance at: 1-888-751-9000.
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