Thursday July 17

The Sanford Lions learned about identity theft and scam artists at their weekly meeting on Thursday, July 17, at the Lions Lee County Fairgrounds.

Guest speaker was Judith B. Estridge of Troy, vice president of First Bank which has a number of offices in the Sanford area. She was introduced to the club by Bob Jasany.

President John Walden presided while Jasany delivered the invocation and Theron Womble led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Identity theft and financial scams are serious and common occurrences here as well as across the country, according to Estridge. She said banks are helping fight these crimes with a number of programs designed to detect unusual changes in customer transactions. And her bank as well as other financial institutions have staff who can assist anyone who thinks they are a potential victim or who have been victimized by these crimes.

Some tips she offered include the following: never give out important numbers such as social security or bank accounts, do not carry items that contain such information with you, leave them recorded at home in a secure place, guard mail by keeping up with incoming bills and never place checks or other important documents in roadside mailboxes at your home, carefully watch credit card accounts, and be wary of anyone offering unbelievable deals or prizes whether through the mails, telephone, or computer.
Estridge suggests taking advantage of free credit reports periodically that might indicate any financial fraud. She stressed that victims of these crimes are placed in grave financial danger that could take years to unravel and correct. Anyone with questions should contact their bank or the N.C. Attorney General’s office toll free at 877-566-7226.