Safeguarding Your Personal Information

Every precaution is taken to guard against a potential data breach, but you can also take steps to safeguard your personal information. You should know that Farm Bureau Insurance will never send unsolicited emails asking you to provide sensitive, personal information such as account numbers, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers. If you receive an email asking for such information, do not respond and immediately contact us to report the suspicious email. Unfortunately, email is a popular method used by criminals to trick you into providing personal information which can be used to steal your identity.  

Beware of Phishing Scams

“Phishing” is a term used to describe unsolicited emails that appear to be from a legitimate business where you may have an account. The email may look and sound official and will likely urge you to quickly take action to protect your account. The message may include a link to a website where you are asked to update or verify personal information such as your password, credit card or Social Security number. Do not respond to the email and immediately delete the message.  

How to Deter, Detect and Defend Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name. Learn what you can do to detect, deter and defend against identity theft.

What You Can Do

Keep the following tips in mind to protect your identity and to avoid falling victim to phishing scams:

  • Email is not secure. Never use email to send sensitive, private or financial information. Do not reply to an email that asks you to provide or verify personal information like a Social Security number. Legitimate companies do not ask for this information by email. 
     
  • If you have a concern about your account after getting an unsolicited email or phone call, call the business back directly or open a new web browser and log in to your account.
     
  • You may request the major national credit reporting agencies put a free Fraud Alert on your credit files. A Fraud Alert notifies creditors of possible fraudulent activity and to contact you before approving any new line of credit. The alert expires after 90 days, but may be renewed. Contact one of the credit reporting agencies below to activate the fraud alert at all three agencies.

    Equifax
    PO Box 740256
    Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
    1-800-525-6285

    Experian
    PO Box 9554
    Allen, Texas 75013
    1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)

    TransUnion
    PO Box 6790
    Fullerton, CA 92634
    1-800-680-7289
     
  • Routinely review your credit reports. You have the right to get a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the credit reporting agencies. Contact the following credit reporting agencies to to obtain a copy of your credit report:

    Equifax
    PO Box 740241
    Atlanta GA 30374-0241
    1-800-685-1111

    Experian
    PO Box 2104
    Allen, Texas 75013
    1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)

    TransUnion
    PO Box 1000
    Chester, PA 19022
    1-800-888-4213