How to Fight Identity Theft

• Do not be intimidated by any e-mail or caller that makes urgent requests for personal financial information and suggests dire consequences if you do not provide that information immediately.

• 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.

• Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you suspect is fraudulent. If you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company’s website by typing in the site address directly, instead of a link previously provided in the e-mail.

• Destroy pre-approved credit card offers before you throw them out. A home shredder is the best thing to use on financial statements, receipts and old cancelled checks that you are discarding.           

• Remove mail promptly from your mailbox. Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail. Identity thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and financial statements.

• Review your account and credit or debit card statements regularly to ensure that all transactions are legitimate. Review your credit report each year. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report each year from the three credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. (877-322-8228 or http://www.annualcreditreport.com/)

• Report all suspicious e-mails or calls. If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert the Credit Union. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.