Identity Theft

Have you, or someone you know been the victim of identity theft? It occurs more often than you think. The Federal Trade Commission has dedicated an entire website to Identity Theft because according to them, “Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.”

Identity Theft is no laughing matter, and the problem is that the more technologically savvy scammers become, the easier it is for them to obtain your identity. There are a variety of ways that they can get your information.

Dumpster Diving-An oldie but a goody, if you’re not shredding your personal information at home, its fair game folks! Thieves continue to steal mail from your mailbox and dive through your trash.

Phishing-This is often hard to detect, scammers and thieves basically create an exact replica of your website or webpage to fool you into submitting your personal information, whether it’s for financial passwords or something more. When phishing occurs, you typically will receive an email that looks like it came from Sears FCU. They can even send spam and pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.

Spamming-Spammers send unsolicited emails to huge mailing lists and they can contain viruses!

Pharming-It’s when you’re redirected to an illegitimate website instead of the site that you wanted.

Vishing-Commonly this term gets confused with Phishing, they sound similar. It’s actually short for voice phishing. This is commonly used by scammers. This is when consumers get a phone call or email directing them to call a phone number where they typically get asked to verify sensitive information.

The Saga Continues

The real problem isn’t just that these types of scams exist-but that new and more technologically advanced techniques are occurring everyday. Sears FCU suggests that anytime you receive an email that prompts you to open an attachment or click a link and enter your information – DON’T!!!

What You Need to Know
Be sure to print this out, stick it on your fridge, write it down, say it as a daily affirmation if necessary, but don’t forget Sears FCU will NOT send you emails saying that we need you to update your information to keep your account, debit or credit cards from being blocked. We simply won’t do it! And NEVER reply to an email from a link sent to you by an email! If you receive an email and you think it MAY be legitimate and want to ensure that services are not stopped, please, take the time to call or email us from the phone number that you typically use.

What to Do If You Think You May Be a Victim

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, here are some things you need to know:

You should file a police report
Check your credit report
Notify creditors to place a fraud report on your accounts.
Dispute any unauthorized transactions.

You Can Back Your Good Name

Unfortunately, it’s going to take a lot more work on your part than the thief who stole your identity. It’s completely unfair, but it’s your credit history you’re fighting for, so get ready to rumble!

What Can a Fraud Alert Do?

Plenty! It will stop the thief from opening any other accounts in your good name. You can file a fraud report by calling all three consumer reporting companies:

Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or visit www.experian.com for more info.

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

According to the Federal Trade Commission, once you get the fraud report filed with each company, you are entitled to a FREE copy of your credit report from each of them.

For more about identity theft visit the FTC’s website http://tinyurl.com/ypwrk3.