Protect Yourself from Fraud
& Identity Theft
By following some basic guidelines you can
protect yourself from falling victim to fraud and identity theft:
- Be alert for people standing near you in the checkout
line at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, etc who have a camera
cell phone in hand, or are "shoulder surfing". It's easy for your name,
account number, and expiration date to be captured using a camera cell
phone.
- Be careful not to disclose information to someone you
don't know over the phone, through mail or using the internet. NEVER
share personal information in email or internet chat rooms.
- Understand how information will be used before sharing
it with merchants. Know if you have a choice in how your information
is used and shared.
- Install firewall software on hour home computer. Always
use a secure computer when accessing your account or providing personal
information
- Have checks printed by a reputable check vendor (like
the credit unions preferred provider).
- Don't include your Social Security Number, driver's
license or other information on checks.
- Be cautious about providing confidential information
in any transaction in which you did not initiate contact.
- Shred or tear up pre-approved credit card offers, bills,
cancelled checks, bank statements, and other documents that contain
personal or financial information before putting them in the trash.
- When using an ATM, make sure nobody can see the numbers
you punch in. If somebody is behind you, shield your hand when entering
information.
- Don't carry your PIN numbers with you, and never give
your PIN to another person.
- Don't carry your Social Security card with you.
- Never give out your credit card number to anyone who
calls you unsolicited.
- Guard your Social Security number. Don't give it out
to salesmen, vendors, or others who have no legal need for it.
- Don't use your mother's maiden name, your birth date,
or the last four digits of your Social Security number as a password
on credit card or bank accounts. This information is too easy to obtain
and can be used by thieves to access your accounts.
- Use a locked mailbox to prevent checks, credit card
offers, and other financial information from being stolen.
Request copies of your credit reports
from Equifax,
 Experian and Trans Union at least once a year and
review them for any credit transactions that do not look right. |
