U.S. Bank is helping its customers and other consumers protect their identity by participating in the annual National Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW). This event takes place through October 26.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America today. Nearly 25 million Americans fall victim to fraud and identity theft every year, with the financial toll near $50 billion. The best way for consumers to protect themselves from identity theft is to educate themselves and take precautions, such as shredding documents that contain personal or otherwise sensitive data.

"U.S. Bank is participating in PYIW at its branches all across the country through a variety of free activities including seminars for senior citizens, and providing information about identity theft protection to customers who visit our bank locations," said Erica Opstad, vice president and manager of U.S. Bank's Office of Corporate Citizenship & Financial Education. "Some branches will be hosting identity theft prevention workshops for people of all ages as well as free document shredding."

Consumers can visit U.S. Bank's YouTube page at www.youtube.com/usbank and watch 'TMI: Tami's Adventures in Online and Personal Security.' This series of one minute videos feature Tami, who shows viewers what NOT to do when trying to protect their identity.

To learn more about U.S. Bank's latest efforts with online security and fraud prevention, visit www.usbank.com/security.

About U.S. Bank
Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $361 billion in assets as of September 30, 2013, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the 5th largest commercial bank in the United States. The Company operates 3,088 banking offices in 25 states and 4,937 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

U.S. Bank Public Relations
Amy Frantti, 612-303-0733
amy.frantti@usbank.com