Victory State Bank President/CEO Ralph M. Branca Cites Awareness as First Line of Defense Against Identity Theft

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Acts of identity theft -- stealing someone else's personal identifying information, such as Social Security or credit card numbers to commit fraud or other crimes -- are soaring.

A study released in early 2010 by independent data provider Javelin Strategy & Research found the number of identity fraud victims in the nation during 2009 increased 12 percent to 11.1 million from the prior year.

"A consumer or business owner's first line of defense against identity theft is to be consciously aware of the threat," said Ralph M. Branca, president and CEO of Victory State Bank.

Victory State Bank, Staten Island, N.Y.'s only community-based commercial bank, utilizes stringent banking policies and theft-deterrent technologies to protect customers' personal and financial information.

"Victory State Bank's optimum level of data security is maintained at each of our locations," Branca said." All online transactions require passwords, passphrases and other security measures that are known only to the customer, and every online activity is encrypted to protect against hackers."

Victory State Bank operates five full-service locations in the borough -- the main office in Great Kills, and branches in West Brighton, St. George, Dongan Hills and Rosebank.

To further shield yourself against identity theft, Branca suggests:

• Don't share personal information unless absolutely necessary.
• Report lost or stolen checks, credit and debit cards immediately.
• Closely guard your ATM and debit card personal identification number (PIN) and receipts.
• Shred financial solicitations and bank statements before disposing of them.
• Periodically contact the major credit report companies to review the accuracy of your files.

About Victory State Bank

VSB Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSBN) is the one-bank holding company for Victory State Bank. Victory State Bank is a Staten Island-based commercial bank, which commenced operations on Nov. 17, 1997. The bank's initial capitalization of $7 million was primarily raised within the community of Staten Island, N.Y. The Bancorp's total equity has increased to $25.9 million, primarily through the retention of earnings. For additional information, Victory State Bank may be reached at 718-979-1100 or visited online at http://victorystatebank.com/default.htm.

SOURCE Victory State Bank