WARWICK, R.I., December 4 – MetLife Bank, NA, will provide full-service identity-theft resolution assistance to all its depositors at no charge.

The company said that it is the first direct bank to provide such services. MetLife Bank said that the service is unique because it does not charge customers for the service, customers do not have to be victims of a full-fledged identity takeover in order to qualify for the service, and customers may utilize the service whether or not the suspected identity fraud involves their MetLife Bank account.

Nearly everyone in America is concerned about ID fraud and ID theft, said Donnalee DeMaio, president of MetLife Bank. ID fraud victims are known to spend dozens, often hundreds of hours getting their financial houses back in order and restoring their good names. With one call, our service provides them with an expert advocate to walk them through the steps " not just giving them checklists to fill out, but real assistance with the many issues involved.

According to MetLife Bank, personal advocates will assist affected customers with filing police reports, placing fraud alerts with the three major credit bureaus, creating fraud victim affidavits, notifying governmental agencies, preparing all documents and phone calls needed to notify creditors, closing accounts that have been compromised, and adding passwords to accounts. The bank said it will also provide personal assistance in dealing with debt collectors, if necessary. In addition, identity theft victims receive a full year of credit and fraud monitoring.

MetLife Bank said that its restoration service is provided in conjunction with Identity Theft 911.

The service, MetLife Bank explained, is available when the suspected identity fraud involves mysterious credit card charges, a call from a collection agency for an unknown debt, or the loss or theft of a wallet or government-issued ID. To access assistance, the customer calls MetLife Banks toll-free service number, 1-866-BankMet.

Visit www.MetLifebank.com for more information.