Help protect your personal information and avoid the frustration of having your identity stolen by following these tips:
- Secure your personal information at home and work. Checks, social security cards, bills, etc. should be stored in a locked drawer or cabinet.
- When choosing a password try to avoid using easily available or identifiable information (i.e. last four of social or date of birth). Also, avoid using the same username and password on multiple sites.
- Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- Tear, cut, or shred all personal information (bank statements, credit card bills, insurance paperwork, etc.) before throwing it away.
- Limit the number of cards you carry with you.
- Pay attention to billing cycles and statements and contact your credit union, bank, or creditor if you notice an issue.
Learn more about ways to prevent Identity Theft by visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s website. https://www.identitytheft.gov/. You can also use this page as a resource or to learn what steps to take if you believe you are a victim of identity theft or fraud.
Protecting your Credit
Monitoring your credit report can alert you to fraudulent activity. You are entitled to one FREE credit report each year from the three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Currently, you can download weekly online reports through April of 2021. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to request your free credit report and keep your credit on track.
Email Communication
Please be aware that information sent via email is not secure, therefore confidential or personal information should not be communicated in this manner. First Priority Credit Union would never ask to provide confidential information via email.
