Naugatuck Savings Bank is committed to providing its customers with the latest information on Identity Theft and Internet Fraud.  Last year, 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft costing them billions of dollars. See what you can do to reduce your risk:

• Be aware of the latest fraud scams.
• Learn how to secure your financial information.
• Be proactive in reviewing your credit history.

Special Alert The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has been notified that consumers have received e-mails that appear to the reader to be related to banking activities. The fraudulent e-mails request that the recipients respond to a notice from their bank to confirm an online payment to be made for products purchased. The link contained within the e-mail serves as a gateway to the fraudulent Web site. The fraudulent Web site is designed to look like a page from the FDIC's authentic Web page, where the individual is then directed to provide sensitive financial and personal information, such as bank or credit card account numbers. The use of this type of e-mail scam, seeking to obtain sensitive information from individuals, is referred to as "phishing." The FDIC provides information on its Web site that explains more about phishing and other types of fraudulent activity targeting consumers. This alert is intended to warn consumers that the fraudulent e-mail, which could also possibly contain a computer virus, was not sent by the FDIC. Financial institutions and consumers are warned NOT to access the link or submit personal information through this site. Additionally, as a reminder to all consumers, the FDIC strongly recommends that individuals safeguard personal information and refrain from responding to any unsolicited request for personal information. For more details visit the consumer news page on the FDIC website at www.fdic.gov/consumers/index.html

Identity Theft How to prevent indentity theft and what to do if you have become a victim.

The FBI provides a convenient and easy-to-use notification that alerts authorities to suspicious Internet activity. Internet Fraud Complaint Center

OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and technology industry on securing your computer and your personal information against Internet fraud. http://onguardonline.gov/index.html

The FDIC has produced a multimedia presentation to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft. Don't Be an Online Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams. http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/guard/index.html

The Better Business Bureau has developed a program that provides information to consumers about protecting identity in the virtual world.  BBB Online - In the Virtual World

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is a nonprofit consumer education, research, and advocacy program.  Their site provides practical tips on privacy protection. Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

The three major credit bureaus can be reached through the following websites. Equifax Experian Transunion

Naugatuck Savings Bank provides Identity Theft resources for informational purposes only.  As no one can guarantee that you will never become an identity theft victim, being an informed consumer can reduce that possibility.