Identity theft is the largest growing crime in America. Although the term is new to many people, this crime has been growing by astronomical numbers in the last several years. While there is no way to completely protect you against identity theft, there are many ways to help guard against it. As a public service to you, American State Bank has placed links to helpful Internet sites to help keep you informed of the latest ploys being used and gives you guidance in what to do if you are a victim of identity theft. As more people become aware of the tactics being used, the con artists change their methods in order to continue their theft of your personal information. Most often the con will use some type of “Social Engineering” (This is the art of tricking you into giving them information about you that they are not entitled.); Here are a few ways to help avoid social engineering:

• Don’t participate in surveys. (However innocent the questions may seem)
• Be skeptical of anyone that calls or emails you unsolicited and always verify their identity by directly contacting the company they represent. (Do not use contact information given by the caller. Instead call a number listed in the phone directory or inquire at the place of business in person.)
• Shred any mail or documents that contain personal information or application for credit that you have not solicited. If you need to retain documentation, keep it in a secure location that only you may access.
• A good rule to go by is that if someone is making you a promise of something of value or paying you for something that you did not do (as the old saying goes: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”) it is probably not legitimate and might be an attempt to steal your personal information.
• Do not follow links in an email to a website. Instead, type the Internet address in manually once and if you wish, at that point save it in your favorites.
• Treat everything you have or know about as confidential. The best way to thwart an attempt of social engineering is to not allow the slightest amount of information to the attacker. If someone is asking you for information, think twice before giving it to him or her. If the information is not publicly available to them (i.e. telephone book, business card, etc.) they are probably not entitled to it.
• American State Bank will never ask you for a Password, PIN or any other personal information about your account via email or telephone.

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