June 19, 2009
Tools to Prevent Identity Theft
The number of Americans who have experienced identity theft has surpassed 27 million, with the incidence rate increasing every year. Substantial measures are in place at your credit union to protect your identity and your accounts against theft and fraud. For example, stringent credit union privacy policies protect your personal information. Password protection for online transactions help assure online security. When using our online services, you develop a password that only YOU know. Encryption of online transactions converts your information into secure code, protecting you against hackers.
Maximum security is possible only with your help. Here’s what you can do to stop these crimes before they happen:
1. Do not give out financial information such as checking and credit card numbers, or your Social Security number, unless you know the person.
2. Report lost of stolen checks immediately. Your credit union will block payments.
3. Notify your credit union of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for account information to “verify a statement” or “award a prize.”
4. Closely guard your ATM Personal Identification Number and ATM receipts.
5. Shred any financial solicitations and credit union statements before disposing of them.
6. Put outgoing mail into a secure, official Postal Service collection box.
7. If regular bills fail to reach you, call the company to find out why.
8. If your bills include questionable items, don’t ignore them. Instead, investigate immediately to head off any possible fraud.
9. Periodically contact the major credit reporting companies to review your file and make certain the information is correct.