Safeguard Yourself and Your Finances
Your security is our utmost priority. Learn how to minimize the risk of identity theft and financial loss.
Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention
Identity theft is a rising concern, with millions of Americans falling victim to fraudulent use of their identities each year. Utilize these resources to safeguard yourself from identity theft and fraud, and find out what steps to take if you suspect your identity has been stolen or compromised.
Keep Your Sensitive Information Safe
If you receive an email or phone call asking for verification of your personal or account information, DO NOT provide that information. Industrial Federal Credit Union will NEVER request the following personal or account details through email, unsolicited phone calls, or text messages:
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- Social Security number
- Account numbers or passwords
- Security questions
- Personal identification number (PIN)
Monitor Your Credit
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act entitles consumers to a free copy of their credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
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- Industrial Federal Credit Union members can check their current credit score and credit report for free inside Online and Mobile Banking, utilizing SavvyMoney’s Credit Score.
- To request your free credit reports and ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date, you may also visit AnnualCreditReport.com.
Contact Us Immediately
If you believe your Industrial Federal Credit Union account has been compromised or you need to dispute a fraudulent transaction, please call us immediately at 765-771-8000, or toll free at 888-564-4328.
Report & Recover From Identity Theft
If you suspect someone is using your personal information to open accounts, file taxes, or make purchases, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website, IdentityTheft.gov. This site offers an interactive checklist to help you report and recover from identity theft. The FTC’s website is also available in Spanish.
- Place a fraud alert and close compromised accounts.
- Remove fraudulent charges from your credit report.
- Create a personalized recovery plan.
Tips to Avoid ID Theft and Fraud
Review these tips to help keep your personal information safe both online and offline.
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Secure Your Documents
Store your credit and debit cards, checkbooks, and Social Security card in a secure location. Make copies (front and back) of your credit cards so you can quickly notify the issuer if they are lost or stolen. Always shred personal documents that you no longer need.
Stay Alert While Shopping
Be vigilant for pickpockets. Carry purses securely close to your body, and keep wallets in your front pocket. Stay aware of your surroundings when checking out at a store or using an ATM. Ensure that no “skimming” device is attached to the card reader to capture your card data.
Practice Online Safety
When shopping online, ensure the merchant’s website is secure by checking for the “lock” icon in your browser's address bar and verifying that the URL starts with “https” (sites lacking the “s” are unsafe). Keep your antivirus software and firewalls updated to enhance your protection.
Protect Your Passwords and PIN
Generate unique passwords for each account and update them regularly. Avoid writing down your PIN or storing it in your wallet, ensuring it's not easily guessable. Consider using an online password manager for added security.
Be Aware of Common Scams
Shield yourself and your finances from scammers aiming to steal your money and identity. Common scams include phishing emails, government imposters, online dating fraud, fake sweepstakes, and charity scams. If you're uncertain about an organization's legitimacy, verify them on sites like www.charitywatch.org, www.charitynavigator.org, or www.bbb.org.
Additional Resources
CU*Secure offers informative articles on current scams and essential tips to safeguard your financial information from cybercriminals.
The Federal Trade Commission provides resources on identity theft and online security, assisting consumers in reporting identity theft, fraud, and obtaining their free credit report.
The Identity Theft Resource Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing risk and managing the consequences of identity compromise.
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