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What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the crime of obtaining the personal or financial information of another person to use their identity to commit fraud, such as making unauthorized transactions or purchases. Identity theft is committed in many ways and its victims are typically left with damage to their credit, finances, and reputation.
The number of people who experience identity theft increases every year. First Choice Financial FCU has strict privacy policies to help protect your personal and financial information. Multi-Factor Authentication for PCU Banking and PIN Numbers for ATM transactions help ensure your protection.
While nothing can guarantee that you won’t become a victim of identity theft you can minimize your risk, and minimize the damage if a problem arises, by making it more difficult for identity thieves to access your personal information.
These few “Tips & Tricks” can get you started today protecting your identity.
Protect Your Financial Information
Give your Social Security number ONLY when absolutely necessary. Only give debit or credit card information to those you know and trust. Closely guard your ATM Personal Identification Number (PIN) and your ATM receipts.
Treat Trash & Mail Carefully
Shred your charge or any receipts, copies of credit or loan applications, insurance forms, checks and even your credit union statements. Its always a good idea to also shred any financial solicitations (credit card offers) before disposing of them. Deposit your outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.
Keep your Credit Union Informed
Let your credit union know about any suspicious phone or email inquiries such as those asking for account information to verify a statement. ALWAYS review your statements for suspicious charges or unusual activity.
Select Intricate Passwords
Place passwords on your credit card, credit union, and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information such as your date of birth, last 4 of your social security number or anything that might already be available to someone looking to steal your identity.
Verify a Source Before Sharing Information
Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through email, or on the internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure you know who you are dealing with.
Watch Your Bills
If your regular bills fail to reach you, contact the company, and ask why. If your bills include questionable items, investigate them immediately.
Review Your Credit Report
You are entitled under Federal law to a free copy of your credit report annually from each of the major credit reporting agencies. That means you can monitor and review your credit reports free three times a year!
You can obtain a FREE Credit Report from
or by calling 1-877-322-8228
The Three Major Bureaus include:
| Equifax | Experian | TransUnion |
| | | |
Place Fraud Alert: 1-800-766-0008 | Place a fraud alert: 1-888-397-3742 | Place a fraud alert: 1-800-680-7289 |
Order a credit report: 1-800-685-1111 | Order a credit report: 1-888-397-3742 | Order a credit report: 1-800-888-4213 |
To locate state specific information regarding credit freezes:
To place alert with ChexSystems for a Tri-Bureau ID Theft Alert: 1-888-478-6536 or