Fraud Prevention Tips
Fraud Prevention
What is phishing?
All Internet users should be aware of the online scam known as "phishing" (pronounced "fishing"). Phishing involves the use of e-mail messages that appear to come from your bank or another trusted business but are from imposters.
Learn more about phishing
To learn more about phishing, read articles presented by FTC at www.consumer.ftc.gov
Report an online scam
You may also want to forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov or contact them at www.consumer.ftc.gov or 877.IDTHEFT (877.438.4338).
Fraud Protection
General Security Tips
While anyone can fall prey to fraud and identity theft, many ways exist to minimize your risk. Northwest Community Credit Union provides these security tips, so you can guard against fraud and identity theft. If you feel you may be a victim of identity theft, review our Identity Theft advisory in this section for more information and a list of resources.
Identity Theft
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when your personal information, typically your Social Security number (SSN), is stolen and used to commit fraud or theft. The thief can use this information to rent apartments, buy cell phones, drain your bank account or obtain loans and credit cards. In worst-case scenarios, thieves can even hold a job or commit a crime using your identification. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft affects nearly 400,000 people in the US each year. A person whose identity has been stolen can spend months or years and thousands of dollars to clean up the mess made of their good name or credit record. For more information about Identity Theft, please visit the FTC Website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Order a copy of your credit report. Make sure it's accurate and includes only the activities you've authorized. Do this at least once a year to catch mistakes and fraud before they wreak havoc on your personal finances. To order your FREE yearly credit report visit www.annualcreditreport.com
Resources
- Theft: Federal Trade Commission — 877.IDTHEFT (877.438.4338)
- Social Security Number Theft and Misuse: Social Security Administration
- Mail Theft: United States Postal Service
- Phone Fraud: Federal Communications Commision
- Fraud Alerts: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information
Credit Bureaus
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Equifax:
To report fraud, call: 800.525.6285
write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 -
Experian:
To report fraud, call: 888.EXPERIAN (888.397.3742)
write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 -
TransUnion:
To report fraud, call: 800.680.7289
e-mail: fvad@transunion.com
write: Fraud Victim Assistance Department, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Opt-Out Organizations
- To opt out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers, please call 888.5.OPTOUT(888.567.8688).
- Federal "Do Not Call" Registry
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Check with your state DMV to learn more about their policies on sharing personal information with other agencies. - Direct Marketing Association