Monday, January 05, 2009



Consumer Protection Resources

 
  Identify Theft Resources ATM/Debit/Credit Cards



Tools for Preventing Identity Theft

Don't be an Online Victim
An excellent series of short videos from the FDIC on how to protect yourself and your computer from online scams, spyware, and viruses. A must see for all computer users.


Guide to Preventing Identity Theft (PDF)
A short handbook of tips to prevent identity theft, how to recognize if someone has stolen your identity, and steps to take to take if you determine your identity has been stolen.


Document Shredding drop off
Identity theft is the fastest growing criminal activity in the United States. Increasingly, criminals are going through trash found at your house or at the landfill for important documents. If you are a Benchmark Bank customer, we can help protect you. Feel free to bring your personal, non business related documents to us and we will have them shredded for you by our certified shredding agency.



Tools for Victim's of Identity Theft

Identity Theft Affadavits (PDF)
Developed by the FTC, two affidavits you can use to prove your identity and reinstate or close accounts affected by the theft. Includes complete instructions on how to fill out and send the documents.


Record Keeping for Identity Theft Victims (PDF)
Two documents to record steps you've taken to report the identity theft and to list exactly what happened and what was taken. Use these in conjunction with the affidavits.


Lost or Stolen ATM, Debit, or Credit Card

If your Benchmark Bank ATM, Debit, or Credit Card is missing and presumed lost or stolen, it is important to call us as quickly as possible so we may deactivate the card.Tips for protecting your ATM, Debit, and Credit Cards

Lost or Stolen Debit or ATM Card



During business hours call 614-269-4400
After business hours call 1-800-264-5578

Lost or Stolen Credit Card

 During business hours call 614-269-4400
After business Hours:
For consumer cards call 1-800-558-3424
For business cards call 1-800-264-5578

Protecting your ATM, Debit, or Credit Card
The following tips can be helpful in protecting your debit and credit cards.

  • Be cautious about disclosing your account number over the phone or internet unless you know you're dealing with a reputable company.
  • Cut up old cards - cutting through the account number - before disposing of them.
  • Open monthly statements promptly and compare them with your receipts.
  • Carry only those cards that you anticipate you'll need.
  • Don't carry your PIN in your wallet or purse or write it on your ATM or debit card.
  • Never write your PIN on the outside of a deposit slip, an envelope, or other papers that could be easily lost or seen.

*Tips from FTC.GOV website
 
Online Banking Security

Benchmark is proud to offer leading edge security technology designed to help keep you safe from online predators. Our online two-way authentication verifies your identity using multiple factors. Each time you log in to Internet Banking, an image and pass phrase only you know will be displayed before you type your password. This allows you confirm that you are accessing the banks website and not a phishing or pharming website. If you do not see the correct image or pass phrase, do not enter your password! Call the bank immediatly at 614-269-4400 for furthur assistance.

Important personal online security information for our customers

Benchmark Bank wants to ensure the online protection of your Personal and Account Information. We understand that there are criminals on the web attempting to obtain Personal Information to open and use fraudulent accounts. We can assure our customers that our online banking and bill pay systems maintain the highest level of security to protect your information.

What we cannot control are criminals contacting our customers via email and posing as Benchmark Bank or another viable financial institution. In an effort to protect our customers from this type of illegal activity, we have enacted the following policies:

Please note:

Benchmark Bank will not ask you to submit Personal or Account Information via email. And we ask that you do not include any of this information in any email you may initiate to us. The safety of information in any email cannot be guaranteed.

For your protection, any email sent from Benchmark Bank including customer service emails or email alerts will require that you successfully login to our secure website at www.benchmark-bank.com before entering any Personal Information.

If you ever receive an email appearing to be from Benchmark Bank that asks for Personal Information such as your Account Number or Social Security Number, do not respond to the email . Please notify us immediately at 614-269-4400.

Remember, when you are unsure of any email or Internet requests, the number one rule is DON'T RESPOND! Call or contact Benchmark Bank and let us know of the unusual email or Internet activity.

 

Disclosures/Policies | Identity Theft Prevention | Lost/Stolen Credit and Debit Cards | Contact Us | FDIC  
461 Beecher Rd. Gahanna, Ohio 43230   |     (614) 269-4400   |     (614) 269-4500 FAX
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