Are You Protected?

Identity theft is one of the nation’s fastest growing crimes. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information—name, driver's license number, social security number, credit card number, birth date or mother's maiden name—to access your bank accounts, open new checking accounts or apply for credit cards or other loans. Many victims learn about identity theft after they are declined for a loan, receive a past due notice for a credit card or loan they did not open or are contacted by a collection agency for bad checks they never wrote.

It is extremely important to constantly monitor your bank and credit card statements.  San Diego County Credit Union, along with most financial institutions, offers internet banking and online bill pay services.

There are great advantages, such as convenience and safety in using these services, but there are some risks. Here are a few suggestions to protect yourself and your finances:

• Check your credit report – There are three free credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to choose from. Requesting your own credit report will not lower your credit score.  We recommend you check your credit once a year.
• Shred personal information – Do not throw away or recycle any personal information. Tear or shred all receipts, bank statements, loan applications, etc.
• Memorize passwords and PIN numbers – Do not carry papers with passwords or personal identification. Never use birthdates, your address or your social security number as your password. 
• Ask questions – If you notice a charge you think is incorrect, contact your credit union, bank or credit card company immediately. Don’t be afraid to question about anything unusual.
• Never mail your bills from your home mail box, always mail items by depositing them in a blue US Postal Service mail box.
• Be smart - Beware of mail or telephone solicitations that offer prizes or awards, especially if you are asked for personal information or financial account numbers.  If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Lastly, never give out personal information over the telephone or via email. A financial institution will never call you and ask you to verify personal or financial information.  Identity thieves are very clever and often sound like financial service representatives on the phone. Be extremely careful when giving out personal information over the phone.

For more information about identify theft, visit the Credit Union on the web at www.sdccu.com, call toll-free 1-877-732-2848 or visit any of the 27 branch locations.