Identity Theft
Identity theft has become the fastest growing crime in America. Millions of dollars has been lost to these criminals. There is no full proof way to stop identity theft as criminals are getting smarter and more sophisticated.

There are some proactive steps you can do to help yourself minimize this threat. You must be kept up to date and know what the current trends are on how these criminals are stealing information.

When you are knowledgeable in how these criminals steal your information, you can protect yourself. For example:

• Shred all personal and financial documents
• Know who you are dealing with especially online and make sure their site is secured
• Make sure your computer is protected with anti-spyware
• Do not give personal and financial information over the phone, they may not be who you think they are
• Do not put outgoing mail in your mailbox, take it to a post office or other secured mailbox
• Report any lost or stolen cards, checkbook or any burglary immediately

And the list goes on. Criminals will find other ways to steal your information, so you must always keep informed and up to date.

Although you may take steps to protect your information, you must still monitor your accounts. Review your periodic statements and report any suspicious transactions. You should review your credit report at least once a year and more often if the need arises.

In summary, knowledge is everything. Being informed is the only way to protect yourself.

For more information regarding identity theft, please visit the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Phishing
Phishing is when you receive e-mails or pop-ups trying to get you to reveal personal financial information in order to commit fraud or to sell your information. DO NOT respond to these requests and NEVER give your PIN out to anyone! Our credit union will not request this information.

MasterCard SecureCode for Debit Card web transactions
Protect yourself from fraudulent and unauthorized online CheckCard (Debit) transactions. Even if you don't purchase anything online this will protect you from others who may try to make purchases with your information. To protect your MasterCard CheckCard, click here to enroll.

Verified by VISA for Credit Card web transactions
Protect yourself from fraudulent and unauthorized online Visa Credit Card transactions. Even if you don't purchase anything online this will protect you from others who may try to make purchases with your information. To protect your VISA Credit Card, click here to enroll.