ID Theft
Look out for Identity Theft
Identity theft is whenever someone uses your personal or financial information without your consent. It is important to always be on guard against identity theft because thieves are constantly looking for new ways to steal your information. Failing to pay attention to the early warning signs can make it easier for them to take advantage of you.
To know if you've been a crime victim, be on the look out for:
- Credit card and checking account statements that don't arrive when they should.
- Being denied credit for no reason.
- Bills for purchases you never made.
- Collection agencies trying to collect on debts that you didn't incur.
- Bills from credit accounts you did not open. (To stop receiving unsolicited credit card offers by calling 888-5 "optout")
- Unauthorized charges on your telephone or checking account statements.
- Credit reports showing new, unauthorized accounts.
If you have been a victim of identity theft, take swift action:
- Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting a major credit reporting bureau (Trans Union, Experian, or Equifax). The other bureaus will be notified and will place alerts on their files. Free reports will be sent to you.
- Alert affected businesses over the phone and in writing. Close tampered accounts or those opened without your consent.
- File a police report. Ask for a copy of the report too - you may need it for businesses requiring proof of the crime.
- Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission.
Free credit reports
For information on obtaining a FREE credit report click here.
Online Safety Tips
Here are some tips specifically designed for you to consider when performing transactions over the internet:
Make Sure You Are On the Proper Website
Fraudulent websites deliberately use a name or web address very similar to the website they are imitating. The intent of such websites is to trick you into providing confidential information such as account numbers and passwords, allowing them access to your funds and identity information. Always verify you have typed the correct website address before accessing your account and completing transactions, checking your balance(s), etc.
Read Key Information We Post on Our Website
We post notices and warnings related to Identity Theft, Fraudulent Transactions, and other potential methods criminals are using that harm consumers and businesses. Read these regularly to be aware of the most current method being used to commit fraud online.
Check Insurance Status and Website Address
You can verify the correct website address of any credit union by visiting the "Find a Credit Union" page of the NCUA's website. Enter the credit union name you wish to verify and click the "Find" button. The NCUA website will provide the proper "URL" (website address) of the credit union.
Remember "Links" Usually Move You to a Website That Is Not the Credit Union's Website and the Credit Union Is Not Responsible for Transactions Completed on Other Websites
The credit union provides links to other services our members have shown an interest in to allow easier access. However these sites are provided for convenience and are not owned by the credit union. You should read the Internet policies posted on websites you link to from the credit union website.
Regulation E Provides Protection to Consumers
Don't forget to check your periodic statements and report any transactions not authorized and/or completed by you. Electronic transactions that are not yours can be reimbursed if reported within 60 days of receipt of your statement.
Keep Transactions Secure
Sb1 will never contact you to ask for your online banking log in information. Never share confidential information you use to complete online access and/or transactions. The Internet is a public network so it is vital for you to safeguard your credit union account information, credit and/or debit card numbers, Social Security &/or EIN/Tax Identification numbers, and confidential/personal information. If any of this type of information is breached your risk of losses increase proportionately.