Identity Protection
With growing criminal sophistication and an increase in identity theft, we suggest you take the following precautions to protect your information:
1) Be discriminating when providing personal information, social security number, or credit card information over the telephone, in person or on the Internet.Â
2) Report lost or stolen checks immediately. ATFCU will block payment on the check numbers involved.Â
3) Store canceled checks and new checks in a safe place.
4) Notify the credit union of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for account information to "verify a statement" or "award a prize."Â
5) Review your credit report at least once per year for accuracy.Â
6) Memorize your PIN (Personal Identification Number) and refrain from writing your social security number or credit card number on a check.Â
7) Tear up or shred pre-approved credit offers. Thieves can use these offers to assume your identity.Â
8) Keep mail secure. Don't mail bills or sensitive information from your home or unsecured mailboxes. Retrieve and review your mail promptly. Thieves may use the personal information contained in your mail to steal your identity.Â
9) Call the company immediately if you have not received a monthly bill. Someone may have filed a false change-of-address notice to divert your information to his or her address.Â
10) Review your monthly financial statements thoroughly. Investigate suspicious items immediately to head off any possible fraud before it occurs.Â
11) Do not carry your social security card, passport or birth certificate unless needed that day.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, immediately contact your financial institution and any credit card providers. Also, contact the three major credit bureaus.Â
Equifax at equifax.com.
Experian at experian.com.
Trans Union at tuc.com.
