Several federal laws protect victims of identity theft. These laws have to do with documenting the theft; dealing with credit reporting companies; dealing with creditors, debt collectors, and merchants; and limiting your financial losses caused by the theft of your identity. Here is a brief summary your rights if you are a victim of identity theft.

You have the right to:

• File a report with a law enforcement agency and ask for a copy of it to show how your identity has been misused.
  • It should have enough information about the crime that the credit reporting companies and the businesses involved can verify that you're a victim, and know which accounts or information have been affected.
• Place a 90-day initial fraud alert on your credit files.
• Get one free copy of your credit report and a summary of your rights from each credit reporting company.
• Ask the credit reporting companies to block fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report.
• Dispute fraudulent or inaccurate information on your credit report. The credit reporting company must investigate your charges, and fix your report if they find that the information is fraudulent.

In many states, you have the right to restrict access to your credit report through a credit freeze. A credit freeze makes it more difficult for an identity thief to open a new account in your name.

If you have questions about protecting yourself from identity theft, please contact the Banking Center.

• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.