March 8, 2010 Some identity thieves have become so skilled that they can steal your personal data and credit card numbers with just a little information like your Social Security and driver’s license numbers. You can help protect your card numbers and credit score by securing your information and reading your credit card statements.
Don’t let the scammers win
Think twice. Treat unsolicited e-mail and phone requests for financial information or personal data with suspicion. Contact the actual business that supposedly called or sent the e-mail to see if it was legitimate. And, prior to entering account information on any website, look for the locked padlock in the browser or https at the beginning of the website address.
Keep it safe.
Shred all personal and financial information.Keep your Social Security, bank cards and credit cards in a secure place.
Don’t leave an invitation in your mailbox.
Promptly remove incoming mail from your mailbox and never leave paid bills there for pickup. Enroll in CU@home® free online BillPayer instead.
Be vigilant.
Check your monthly statements promptly to verify transactions. Notify SLFCU immediately of any erroneous or suspicious transactons.
Expiration dates. Closely monitor the expiration dates on your credit cards and if your card has not arrived in a timely manner, notify SLFCU.
Watch for unsolicited credit cards.
If you receive credit cards that you didn’t apply for, call the credit card company.
Collection calls. I
f you get calls from creditors or debt collectors regarding merchandise or services that you did not buy, file a complaint with the police and consult ITAC Sentinel Security if you are enrolled.
In the U.S. one of every ten consumers has already been victimized by identity theft*. Put ITAC Sentinel with identity theft protection to work on your behalf. Visit ID Theft and Fraud Prevention and subscribe online.
*Sources: ITAC Sentinel and VISA
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