Security
Identity Theft
Don't Wait for Identity Theft to Happen
Be proactive to protect your identity.
Identity theft is America's fastest growing crime. As the risk continues to rise, it is important that you stay informed and take precautions to avoid becoming one of the many Americans already victimized by identity theft.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, address, account numbers, Social Security number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
How might thieves use your identity?
- Run up fraudulent credit charges
- Drain your bank accounts
- Take out a loan
- Open a cell phone plan
- Obtain new credit cards
- Establish new bank accounts
- File for bankruptcy
- Get a new driver's license
- Apply for a job
How can you protect against it?
Identity thieves can get personal information from a number of sources, but most often, it is the victim that unknowingly hands over his or her own identity. The precautions below can greatly decrease your chances of becoming an identity theft victim.
Keep track of your wallet or purse. One of the most important items that people often leave unattended contains a store of sensitive information. A thief can use your driver's license, signed credit cards, or checkbook to use your identity illegally. (Note: You should never carry your Social Security card or personal identification numbers (PIN) in your wallet or purse. Instead, keep them stored in a secure location.)
Shred sensitive trash. Always shred old bank statements, bills, pre-approved offers, non-cash receipts, tax statements-anything that contains personal information. Identity thieves will often rummage through your trash in search of such items.
Protect your mail. Use a USPS drop box for outgoing mail, and promptly remove mail from your home mailbox each day. Remember to place a hold on your mail with the postal service when you are out of town.
Protect your RTP Federal Credit Union statement information with eStatements, a free service allowing you to view your monthly statement online instead of receiving a paper copy in the mail.
Secure your computer. Identity thieves are growing increasingly more technologically savvy. Keep your computer's virus protection software updated, and use a firewall program to stop uninvited access to your computer. Without it, hackers can take over your computer putting your personal information at their fingertips.
Watch out for phishing. Never give out personal information over the internet. Posing as bank representatives, identity thieves will "phish" for sensitive information via e-mail asking you to confirm account numbers or other personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requests that you forward any suspect "phishing" emails to spam@uce.gov for further investigation. Unless you have initiated the contact, it is also unwise to disclose personal information over the phone.
RTP Federal Credit Union posts scam information on our website and will never ask you to provide personal information via email. Another useful online resource for up-to-date scam information is the ID Theft Resource Center.
Monitor account activity. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals on your financial account statements. If you receive paper statements in the mail, be aware of your statement cycles. Failing to receive a statement could mean that an identity thief has changed the account address to cover up an account takeover.
Home Banking is an excellent way to monitor financial account activity. RTP Federal Credit Union's Online Banking service is free, and account activity is displayed in real-time so you know what is happening with your accounts right when it happens.
Check your credit report regularly. A sudden, adverse change to your credit report may indicate identity theft. The three major credit reporting agencies are listed below. It is a good idea to get reports from each one on a regular basis.
To purchase a copy of your credit report:
- Equifax: 1-800-685-1111; www.equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742); www.experian.com
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800; www.transunion.com
Free credit report access:
Beginning September 1, 2005, North Carolinians are eligible for one free copy of your credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. To order your free credit report, contact the organization below:
- Annual Credit Report Request Service: 1-877-322-8228; www.annualcreditreport.com
What to do in the event of identity theft?
Identity theft is a serious crime that causes months, even years, of headache for victims. If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, it is important to act quickly. The faster you react, the better off you will be. The FTC recommends that you take the following steps immediately:
Contact any one of the three credit reporting agencies. You should place a fraud alert on your credit report requesting creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. Once one of the agencies confirms the fraud alert, they will notify the other two agencies to place an alert on your report.
To report possible fraud and place an alert on your report:
- Equifax: 1-800-685-1111; www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 - Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742); www.experian.com
P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013 - TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800; www.transunion.com
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the FTC's ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts. If you think your RTP Federal Credit Union Visa Credit, Visa Check or ATM card has been compromised, cancel it immediately.
File a police report. Get a copy of the police report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Use the FTC's Identity Theft Complaint Form . Keep copies of all your correspondence with the credit reporting bureaus, financial institutions, and other agencies or businesses that you contact.
It is important to stay informed. The FTC is a great resource for information on identity crimes and how to react if you become a victim. Visit them online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
