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Your Personal Security is our Priority!

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is taking any information that can be used to identify a person. This includes signature, screen name, birth date, account information, full name, etc.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk.

What’s the best way to monitor your finances to protect yourself?

First, you should request a copy of your credit report on an annual basis at the least. Click here for a copy of your report from all three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

Watch your account statements and question any charge that you do not recognize.

Stay up to date with information by visiting the following web sites on a regular basis and signing up for scam/fraud alerts:

Federal Trade Commission

Arizona Attorney General’s Web site

Scambusters

Keep current versions of all anti-virus and anti-spyware programs for your computer. Scan using more than one program. Click here for a list of web site resources.

Watch for mail that is missing. Mail theft is common in our area.

Look deeper into any calls from debt collectors. Question anything that appears to be out of the ordinary.

Question any credit cards that come to you if you did not request them.

Shred everything that has a piece of your personal identification on it.

Don’t respond to anything on the Internet or email unless you are expecting it and know it is valid. Most reputable companies will not ask you for information via email.

Do not trust Internet sites you are asked to access via an unsolicited email unless you are completely sure they are accurate. Web sites are commonly copied.

Consider online banking including bill payment. These transactions are secure and you don’t need to worry if your payment was intercepted by identity thieves.

What should I do if I am a victim of identity theft?

If fraudulent charges/withdraws occur our Security Manager would be happy to help you take the following actions:

When you discover a charge that seems to be fraudulent, notify your financial institution immediately.

Once you review your account with an account representative, file a police report if the charge is still questioned. Press charges and request your rights.

Close accounts, like credit cards and bank accounts, immediately.

When opening new accounts place passwords on them. Avoid using your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number.

If your identity has been stolen (or there are any questions about whether it has been stolen) place a fraud alert on your credit reports. We recommend a 7-year alert.

Get a copy of your credit report. This will aid you in discovering additional fraud committed against you.

File a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center if it is web related. For all other complaints, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

Is there any identity theft insurance available?

There are insurance companies that offer protection at various levels and degrees. The important factor to consider is the company’s reputation. You do not want to hire a company that sent an email to you unless you are 100% sure they are who they purport to be and their reputation is satisfactory.

What information is out there regarding identity theft?

AEA Federal Credit Union offers free identity theft information to all members. If you would like to request a copy of any of the items below send us an email or visit any of our branches.

Identity Theft Tips

AEA FCU has no control of, nor any responsibility for, any information
provided by a linked site or any link contained in a linked site or any changes to such sites.

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All rights reserved.

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