|
Account Fraud
– What You Can Do
Account fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes
in the nation. Your credit union has safeguards to
help prevent and detect account fraud, but it is your
knowledge,
awareness and alertness that are the first and most
important first lines of defense. Account fraud can
come in many forms. Some examples are:
Checking Account Fraud
Credit Card Fraud
ATM Fraud
Identity Theft
Electronic Account Fraud
For example, inexpensive computer technology and
improved printers make it easier than ever for thieves
to set up a fraudulent check operation.
Personal Vigilance: The First Defense
The first, and most important step in preventing account
fraud is through careful and diligent safeguarding
of your account information. You can play a big part
in this effort: Do not treat your confidential information
casually or provide it to unknown parties, especially
to solicitations received by phone. Be extra vigilant
in protecting your confidential information, including
account numbers, credit card numbers and receipts,
personal identification numbers (PINs), computer passwords,
social security numbers and personal information,
including IDs.
Minimize Your Risks to Prevent Fraud
The following are just some of the many steps that
you can take to help minimize the risk of account
fraud happening to you:
Protect your account and personal information –
never respond to unsolicited requests for this information,
whether it’s over the phone, through the mail
or via the Internet.
Online, only provide your credit card number on a
secure Web page, which is identified by a little lock
(that is locked) displayed in the lower right corner
of your browser.
Use a single credit card, with a low credit limit,
for Internet purchases
Do not send credit card information via e-mail or
instant messenger – they are not secure.
Do not have confidential information preprinted on
your checks.
Report any lost or stolen credit cards or checks
to the issuing institution immediately so that stop-payment
can be made on them.
Shred any documents containing confidential information,
including unused checks (even if an account has been
closed), ATM receipts and old credit card receipts,
before disposal.
Review all account and credit card statements once
they are received to quickly determine that no account
irregularities are apparent.
Notify your credit union if newly ordered checks
or regular statements do not arrive in a timely manner.
A missing statement may mean someone has changed your
billing address to prevent you from seeing fraudulent
transactions.
Deposit outgoing mail directly into post office boxes,
not in your own mailbox. If you are going on vacation,
place a delivery hold on your mail.
Carry a minimum number of ID and credit cards. Don’t
carry your social security card, PIN numbers or passwords
in your wallet or purse. Make copies of all items
maintained in your purse or wallet.
Cancel and destroy any credit cards that you don’t
need or use. View your credit report at least once
a year.
Where to Turn for Help
Always be sure to contact your credit union or affected
financial institution immediately as soon as you learn
you have been a victim of account fraud. In most cases
this will limit or eliminate the amount for which
you might otherwise be liable on your loss. Additional
information about fraud is available from:
The National Check Fraud Center at www.ckfraud.org
or 843-571-2143
The U.S. government’s central Web site on Identity
Theft at www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Card Cops, a fraud prevention group, which has on
it’s Web sit (www.cardcops.com)
a free service that may alert you to the possibility
that your credit card number is about to be used for
fraudulent purposes.
And most important of all, if you have been the victim
of fraud or a scam don’t feel too embarrassed
to ask for help. The perpetrators can’t be caught
if the incident isn’t reported.
For more information on protecting yourself online
you can also check out this very helpful website.
www.onguardonline.gov
|
Account Fraud
