Fraud & Identity Theft Prevention

Steps to Fight Fraud

  1. Immediately report lost or stolen cards to your credit union.
  2. Keep information about all your cards, including account numbers, expiration dates, card issuers and telephone numbers, in a safe place at home so you can act quickly if a card is ever lost or stolen.
  3. Treat your credit and debit cards like your house keys: Do not let them out of your sight.
  4. Watch out for ATMs that appear to have been altered. If anything on the front of the machine looks crooked, loose or damaged, it could be a sign that someone attached a skimming device.
  5. Cover the ATM pad when entering your PIN.
  6. Never write your PIN on your card.
  7. Choose a credit and debit card PIN number that is difficult to guess, but easy for you to remember.
  8. Do not reply to any e-mail, text or phone requests for your social security number, credit or debit account number or any other personal information.
  9. Monitor your credit report, credit and debit card accounts and statements for unauthorized transactions. Cancel any inactive credit accounts.

    The three major credit bureaus are:
    Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
    Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    Trans Union: 1-800-888-4213

    Obtain your free credit report online: www.annualcreditreport.com

    Phone: 1-877-322-8228

    By Mail: Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

  10. Shred all credit and debit card statements or financial documents before you throw them away.
  11. Before making purchases online with your credit or debit card, make sure the website is secure and the company is reputable. Check for security icons on the businesses web site before keying in your account number to ensure your transaction is secure. (HTTPS:site)
  12. Update anti-virus and spyware software regularly.

Tips to Fight Identity Fraud

  1. Never provide personal financial information, including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords, over the phone or the internet if you did not initiate the contact.
  2. Never click on the link provided in an email you believe is fraudulent. It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer.
  3. Do not be intimidated by an email or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
  4. If you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company’s website by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously book marked, instead of a link provided in the email.
  5. If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institution. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.
  6. Report suspicious emails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.