ID Theft Prevention & Tools

Learn to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Your identity is one of the most valuable things you own. It’s important to keep your identity from being stolen by someone who can potentially harm your good name and financial well-being. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security Number, credit card or financial account numbers, passwords, and other personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. While the words may sound like a foreign language -- Phishing, Pharming, Vishing, Spyware, Dumpster Diving — they are actually techniques used by thieves to put your identity and finances at risk. And their attacks grow more frequent and sophisticated every year. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. According to US Department of Justice statistics, it’s now passing drug trafficking as the number one crime in America.

There are ways that you can reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft.

One way is through education. Here are some articles that can help explain how identity theft can happen and some tips to protect yourself: 

• Protect Yourself Online
• Spear Phishing... When Hackers Call You By Name
• Northwest Bank's Guide to Protect Yourself from Imposter Scams 
• Protecting Your Identity
• Online Security for Consumers

Another way (optional) is to sign up with an ID theft protection and monitoring company.  

The Identity Theft service offered through Northwest Insurance Services is ReliaShield**, which is an identity theft protection company that provides you with tools and services to monitor, alert and then assist you if anything were to happen.

**Learn More About ReliaShield

 What To Do If You Suspect Identity Theft? 

If your identity has been stolen, you need to take immediate action to limit the damage and protect your good name.  The following steps will assist you in your ID repair process.

1. Report and Create a Recovery Plan with IdentityTheft.gov 
   This website provides step-by-step instructions and the necessary forms to help restore your identity.
2. Contact Northwest Bank at 1-800-678-4105 and other related companies immediately.  We recommend that you remain vigilant by reviewing your account statements and credit reports closely. If you detect any suspicious activity on an account, you should promptly notify us or company with which the account is maintained. You also should promptly report any fraudulent activity or any suspected incidence of identity theft to proper law enforcement authorities. Close any accounts that may have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
3. Place a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the three major credit bureaus.  Also request to review your credit report for suspicious activity.  A copy of your credit report is available free each year from www.annualcreditreport.com.
   • Equifax: 1.888.766.0008
   • Experian: 1.888.397.3742
   • TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.

Important Numbers to Know

• Credit Bureaus
  • Equifax: 1.888.766.0008
  • Experian: 1.888.397.3742
  • TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289
• Lost or Stolen Debit Card/Suspect Fraud on your Debit Card
  • Contact a Northwest Bank representative. Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm  CST at 1-800-678-4105
  • During after hours, please contact the Card Processing Center at 1-800-472-3272.
• Lost or Stolen Credit Card
  • Contact the 24-Hour Cardmember Service at 1-800-558-3424

Additional Tools to Monitor & Protect Your Accounts

• NB Account Alerts
• NB Card Secure 
• Credit Sense*