Identity Theft

Understanding Identity Theft

About identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to open new accounts or initiate transactions in your name. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, report it immediately to your Branch Sales Manager or the nearest police station in your area.

How identity thieves use your personal information?

• They can call your credit card issuer, pretend to be you and ask to change your credit card account’s mailing address. Thieves can then run up charges on your account and you may not find out because all your statements go to the changed mailing address instead of your real one. 
• They can forge counterfeit cheques or create fake debit cards to drain your bank account.

Protect your identity online

When conducting financial transactions, making purchases or sending personal information online, make sure that the websites you visit are secure and protect your data from internet theft.
You should look for the letters "https://" at the beginning of each website’s URL address, which you can find in your web browser. The "s" means that the web connection is secure.

How to protect yourself from identity theft

• Don't put outgoing mail in or on your mail box. Thieves could use this information to steal your identity.
• Report lost or stolen credit and debit cards immediately. Contact us to stop these lost/stolen cards.
• Report lost or stolen cheque books immediately.
• Be alert to telephone scams. If someone calls and tries to get personal information from you, it may be a fraudster.  Notify us, especially if you receive phone calls from tricksters who claim to be Republic Bank staff.  
• Secure your ATM or credit card receipts. Thieves can use these to access your account information. Never throw them in the trash.
• Discard mail properly. Shred or rip them up into several small pieces before disposing them.
• Keep your information private. Do not disclose your financial information to anyone.
• Protect your personal computer and other electronic devices which contain personal information. Learn how your devices store and save passwords and account numbers. Ensure that the software you use to store personal data is always secure.