In this day and age there are many people trying to get your personal information. While most people are careful with their personal information an identity thief only needs one success to make thousands of dollars. First Bank is dedicated to keeping your identity safe. We would like to give you some tools to use to help protect yourself from identity theft.

Here are a few easy ways to help protect you from identity theft:

• Shred personal information such as statements, checks, and receipts. Identity thieves will take information from the trash.
• Never give out personal information to someone you do not know. If you do not know the person asking for the information personally or why they are asking for it, do not give out the information by phone or on the internet. First Bank will never contact you by phone or email and ask for personal information such as a social security number or a debit card number. If someone should contact you asking for that information, contact us immediately by phone at (515) 225-2641.
• Switch to E-Statements. Identity thieves are known for taking mail from mailboxes. By switching to E-statements you will be able to securely look at your statements and print them. To learn more or sign up for E-statements click here.
• Switch to First Pay online bill pay. When you put the flag up on your mailbox it lets identity thieves know you might be mailing something with your financial information on it such as a check for your water or cable bill. By switching to First Pay you can have those payments automatically sent to those companies on the day you want. To learn more or to sign up for First Pay online bill pay click here.
• Pick up your checks at the bank. To ensure that only the accountholder gets their checks First Bank does not mail out boxes of checks that are printed at First Bank.
• Use SecureCode for debit card purchases. SecureCode is a service that helps protect MasterCard accounts against unauthorized internet transactions by using identifying information. Once you have registered your debit card for SecureCode every participating merchant will need your SecureCode PIN. To view frequently asked questions about MasterCard SecureCode click here or click here to sign up for MasterCard SecureCode.
• Review your statements. Identity thieves are hoping that you do not notice them. By reviewing your account online or reviewing statements periodically you can ensure your account does not have any unauthorized activity. To sign up for online banking click here.
• Get your free credit report. Review your credit report annually to ensure that no unknown accounts have been opened in your name with your social security number. For more information click here.
• Do not put your PIN with your debit card. If a stranger should get your debit card and use it at an ATM with your PIN, you may be liable for some of the loss. To ensure this does not happen memorize your PIN or contact First Bank to Select-A-PIN for a small fee, which will allow you to pick your own PIN. Contact First Bank at (515) 225-2641 to request Select-A-PIN.
• Continuous Credit Monitoring. First Bank offers a product called Identity Theft Shield that will monitor your credit and has Identity Restoration. To learn more about Identity Theft Shield, click here.

First Bank is dedicated to protecting your identity and personal information. First Bank has many safeguards to ensure that no one else gets your personal information.

For more information on Identity Theft visit the FDIC’s Identity Theft & Fraud website (http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/theft) or visit the US centralized government website on identity theft (www.IDTheft.gov) .