Protecting you and your information is a top priority at United Bank. We do our best on a day to day basis to ensure your personal information remains private and secure. There are steps you can take that go a long way in protecting your privacy. 

    What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when a criminal acquires information about you, either your name, address, social security number, or credit card information. The criminal can then use that information to impersonate you on the internet.

There are a lot of scams and steps criminals take in order to obtain your information. Two of the most popular and wide spread methods of obtaining people's information are called Phishing and Pharming; more on these types of scams can be found under Threats. Both of these are effective ways to get the victim to provide their information to people that should not have it. However, both can be easily avoided when recognized.

    How Does it Happen?

A criminal can obtain your personal information in a number of ways but most frequently victim's information is found in the garbage or taken out of a mailbox. This easy access to private information is a major factor in the popularity of such crimes. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of crime in the country.

    Steps to Protection

Taking a few very simple steps will aid in your protection. Never throw information into the trash that contains your name, address, or any other personal information without shredding it first and never give personal information over the phone.