How to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

1. Never provide personal information to an unsolicited request.
2. If you don’t initiate a communication, do not provide any personal information.
3. Delete all E-mails from unknown sources.
4. Do not use links provided in E-mails, contact the source directly using contact methods you have used in the past and know are legitimate.
5. Do not be intimidated by E-mails or callers. 
6. No one will ever ask you for your passwords or PIN numbers.
7. Review account statements regularly to ensure all charges are correct.
8. If you have doubts contact us before disclosing any information.

“Phishing” (pronounced fishing) involves the use of seemingly legitimate E-mails and Web sites to deceive customers into disclosing sensitive personal information.

It may appear to come from a reputable company that you recognize and do business with, such as a bank and in some cases a government agency.

In most cases you will be redirected to a phony Web site that may look exactly like the real thing.

You may be asked to update your account information or to provide information for verification purposes such as your:

1. Social Security number
2. Account numbers
3. Password or PIN
4. Information you use to verify your identity when speaking to a real financial institution, such as your mother's maiden name or your place of birth.

It is important to remember that Guaranty Bank will never initiate a request for sensitive information via e-mail.

If you have received an e-mail you believe to be fraudulent or you believe you are a victim of fraud, please contact us at (866) 987-2745 immediately.

If you have disclosed sensitive information in a phishing attack, you should also contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file, to help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name. Here is the contact information for each bureau's fraud division: