Houghton State Bank provides built-in protections to keep your credit card information safe. Identity theft is a serious concern for credit card users, but with Houghton State Bank fraud monitoring, you can have some peace of mind with a few safeguards in place.

Houghton State Bank Credit Card Protection

We monitor your account 24/7/365, and if we suspect fraudulent activity on your credit card, we notify you immediately. Plus, with Visa¹ and MasterCard's² Zero Liability program, you are not liable for unauthorized transactions.

Signs you might be a victim of Identity Theft

• An expected credit card hasn't arrived in the mail.
• You hear from credit collectors about debts you don't know about.
• There are unauthorized purchases on your billing statements.

If at any point you think you’ve become a victim of ID theft, follow the steps below to secure your accounts:

Step 1: You can report confirmed cases of identity theft to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and receive information on next steps. You can also report scams to the FTC.

Step 2: Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This alert will request that creditors contact you before opening any new accounts under your name. Once the credit bureau confirms your alert, all three will send you a credit report free of charge. The alert will remain on your account from 90-180 days.

• www.equifax.com
• www.experian.com
• www.transunion.com

Step 3: File a police report. Get a copy of this report so that you can dispute unauthorized charges and use for any insurance claims.

Step 4: Close any accounts that may have been compromised or opened fraudulently. This list of accounts may include bank accounts, credit cards, retail cards, phone companies, utilities, and other service providers. Dispute any unauthorized charges. The FTC website provides many helpful resources, including a sample dispute letter and a form affidavit which can be used if a sworn statement is needed by any creditors.

Tips for Identity Theft Prevention

• Make sure websites you visit are secure and protected.
• Look for sites that use encryption to secure the information you provide - you can check for security by looking for a small lock symbol in the lower corner of your web browser window.
• Look for sites whose addresses begin with https:// - the "s" means the connection is secure.
• Keep your Social Security number private.
• Do not share your PIN (personal identification number) with anyone.
• Memorize your PIN; never write it down.
• Destroy old or expired cards.
• When using your card at a merchant, be sure your card is returned and that you received a copy of your receipt.
• Always keep your card in a safe and secure location.
• Keep a list of all credit and debit card accounts in case your wallet is lost or stolen.
• Subscribe to a credit-monitoring service, which will help protect you and notify you immediately if there are any activities on your accounts you need to be aware of.
• Request credit reports annually.
• Each month, review your credit card statements for potential charges that you may not have made.
• Sign up for online, paperless account statements.
• Travel lightly: minimize your risk and carry less in your purse or wallet.
• Make sure no accounts have been opened without your permission.
• Close any accounts that you no longer use.
• Never give personal information to an unknown caller.

For additional information security practices you make at home and on your personal devices, see our Information Security Center.