Press Releases

Providence Bank & Confiential Records Management Fight to Protect Citizens from Identity Theft
Rocky Mount Telegram
May 16, 2006

    Identity theft is an unpleasant reality in today’s world.  Identity theft occurs when a thief uses someone else’s personal information for financial gain. According to the North Carolina Attorney General’s office, the number of identity theft victims has tripled in the last few years. In North Carolina, approximately 300,000 cases of identity theft are reported annually.  These victims spend on average $800 and 175 hours to clean up the damage caused by these criminals.

    Providence Bank recognizes this threat and constantly works to insure that our customer’s identity is protected.  The bank is always looking for new ways to increase the security of the information we are entrusted with.  One of our many safety precautions is to have all documents which contain personal information properly destroyed. We use Confidential Records Management, Inc., one of the leaders in professional records and information management, to ensure that documents that contain sensitive information are fully destroyed and recycled.

    In our continued efforts to help the community protect their identity, Providence Bank and Confidential Records Management have partnered to offer a free document disposal service on May 18th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Customers will also be able to enjoy free refreshments. The shredding truck will be located at Providence Bank’s branch at 2401 Sunset Avenue.

    This service will help the community properly destroy the documents that are too sensitive to simply throw away.  The papers that need to be destroyed are out-of-date documents that contain sensitive personal information, such as tax returns, bank statements, credit applications, insurance forms and cancelled checks.

    In addition to properly destroying personal documents, there are many other steps people can take to protect their identity.  For more information about how to protect yourself, call Providence Bank at 252-937-3077 or visit our Rocky Mount branch.

    Other steps which individuals and businesses should do to protect their identity and financial assets are:

•    Don’t give out your social security number or personal credit information over the phone.
•    Tear up or shred those receipts, old bank statements and unused credit card offers
•    Keep track of your mail –- notice if something like a statement or a check is missing, and don’t mail bills from your own mailbox. Drop them in a post box or at the post office.
•    Review your credit report annually and report and correct mistakes.
•    Make sure you do business with reputable companies, especially on the Internet.
•    Keep your browser’s padlock or key icon active when doing business online.
•    Don’t open email from unknown sources.
•    Use virus detection software.
•    Protect your PINS and passwords. Change them often. Use letters and numbers.
•    Report any suspected fraud to your bank and the fraud units of credit reporting agencies.
•    And contact your banker whenever you have a concern or question about the privacy of your personal financial information.

Providence Bank is working to be your Community Bank Partner.