Identity Theft protection

How We Protect You

We utilize several tools designed to protect our members from identity theft. We offer programs like Email Management Services (EMS) and Mastercard^® Fraud Detection. We also:

• Removed your social security number from your statements
  
• Require signatures and membership ID for address changes and cash withdrawals
  
• Maintain a secure server for the website and online banking (256-bit encryption) utilizing a multifactor login.
• Require you to answer security questions correctly to gain access to online banking through a web browser we have not previously authenticated you through
  
• No longer require your member/account number on the back of checks you are cashing or depositing
  

EMS - Email Management Services
This new email alert feature, EMS, is a part of our Online Banking System. Members are able to sign up for email notifications that will allow you to better monitor your accounts. You can set up alerts that will notify you when you have a low balance, an overdrawn account, password changes, and many other account notices. This is a great tool to help you monitor the activity in your Online Banking accounts.

Mastercard^® Fraud Detection
Mastercard^® operates a sophisticated, multi-level fraud monitoring system to protect cardholders from data compromise and fraud. The system continually monitors accounts for atypical patterns of activity that are consistent with fraud. If fraud or a security compromise is suspected on a Mastercard^® card account, Mastercard^®works with the card issuing bank to monitor the account closely for unusual activity and notify the cardholder.

How You Can Protect Yourself

• Never give out personal or financial information over the telephone unless you know EXACTLY whom you're dealing with. If you have doubts about who's on the phone, disconnect the call and call back a confirmed number.
  
• Never give your ATM card PIN number out — there is NEVER a reason the caller needs it.
  
• Don’t put your Social Security number or your driver’s license on your checks.
• Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help or are having service work done in your home.
• Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox.
• Avoid storing financial information on electronic devices. If you do, use a strong password to access them.
  
• Don’t use the "Remember Me" feature on any websites. And always log off when you’re finished.
  
• Before you dispose of a computer, delete personal information using a "wipe" utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive.
  

Thieves are actively pursuing your personal information by phone and email by posing as a legitimate financial institution, or a corporation like eBay or PayPal. They seek your account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to access your checking account or credit cards. Email scams like this are known as "phishing". By phone, these scams are known as "vishing".

Avoiding Phishing Scams

Be weary of emails asking you to provide (or update) your information, especially when fear tactics are used such as warnings that your account will be locked if you do not provide the requested information. Links in fraudulent emails will take you to websites that look like the imposed vendor, but the web address will not be the vendor's official url. Instead of clicking the link in the email, go to that vendor's site directly and log into your account. If your information truly needs to be updated, you can determine that there.

Avoiding Vishing Scams

Vishing scams come in two varieties. The first is conducted solely by phone. You receive a phone call, usually by an automated dialer, and are told that the privacy of your credit card account or some other account has been compromised. You are then told to call a certain number immediately to "verify information” related to her account.

The second type of vishing is just like the first, except you receive an email, not a call. The message is like that of a phishing email, but instead of clicking a link you are asked to make a call.

Either way, when you call the number, an automated system asks for things like your account number, password, birth date, and Social Security number.

Be wary of any unsolicited communication where you are asked to provide information. In addition, be especially skeptical of calls from automated systems or ones where the speaker does not address you by name. If you suspect someone is vishing, hang up immediately. If the caller is a live person, just say you’ll call back later. Then call back at a number you know to be legitimate, such as a number on your statement or the back of your credit card. Never give out personal information by phone unless you initiated the call and are sure you used the right number.

What to do if you think you are a victim of a phishing or vishing scam:

• Contact your financial institution and let them know that your account information may have been compromised.
  
• Contact the three major credit bureaus and request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit file: Equifax (800) 525-6285, Experian (888) 397-3742 and TransUnion (800) 680-7289. T
• Report all fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission or call (877) IDTHEFT.
  
• File a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center of the FBI.

ATM and check cards have become a routine part of life in many households. It’s no wonder, since they provide 24-hour access to your money any time of the day or night. Protecting yourself and your ATM or check card should be a part of your daily routine:

Keep Your Card Safe

• Never leave your card where it might easily be stolen.
  
• Never write your personal identification number (PIN) on your card or even near it.
• Never disclose your PIN to another person.
• Don’t store your card next to another credit card with a magnetic strip. Close proximity may erase the magnetic coding.
• Always notify both your credit union and the police immediately if your card is stolen.
  

Protect Yourself Too

• Safe Approach – If the ATM you wish to use is not within a secured facility, approach with care. Watch out for suspicious people or circumstances.
  
• Be Prepared – Have your ATM or check card ready and be prepared so that you can complete you transaction faster.
  
• Protect Your PIN – If there are others nearby, be sure that they can’t see you input your code number. Use your body as a screen.
  
• Don’t Tempt Thieves – After you have completed your transaction, if you have received cash, leave quickly. Exposing cash could invite trouble.
  
• Safe Departure – Once again, watch for suspicious people or circumstances. If you suspect a problem, go to the nearest populated location or the police immediately.
  
• Telephone Fraud – Never disclose your account number or PIN to anyone who calls you on the phone, regardless of the circumstances. Credit union personnel do not have access to your PIN and should never need it.
  

Remembering these tips will make using ATMs safer and less time consuming for you and allow you to fully enjoy this convenient service... compliments of your credit union!