Protecting yourself from identity theft and fraud

Cyber criminals are on the job 24/7 to find ways to steal your identity or key financial account information. Unfortunately, when such things happen it is a very real possibility that the information stolen may be used in a manner that will directly affect you or your family. As your credit union we regard the protection of your accounts and personal information as vital. When you call, come in the credit union or even write to us for account information or transactions, such as a transfer, we will ask many questions to verify your identity. Transactions requested over the phone may require that our member service team give you a call back to confirm your transaction request.

To safeguard your accounts, we suggest you take extra precautions for the following things:

Phishing emails that claim to be from legitimate companies. Phishing emails that claim there is a problem with a credit card, your credit record, or other personal financial information Calls from scammers that claim they are from your bank or credit union Fraudulent charges on any credit card because your identity was stolen

• Phishing emails that claim to be from legitimate companies.
• Phishing emails that claim there is a problem with a credit card, your credit record, or other personal financial information
• Calls from scammers that claim they are from your bank or credit union
• Fraudulent charges on any credit card because your identity was stolen

Here are 5 things you can do to help reduce the risk of identity theft:

1. Check your credit reports via the free www.annualcreditreport.com. You can check each bureau’s report, TransUnion or Equifax or Experian, once each year. We suggest spreading your credit report requests throughout the year.

2. Next, it is also possible to freeze your credit files at the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Remember that generally it is not possible to sign up for credit monitoring services after a freeze is in place. Advice for how to file a freeze is available on the following Web site on a state-by-state basis: http://consumersunion.org/research/security-freeze/.

3. Check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity. We also suggest using Online Banking and Mobile Banking to monitor your account activity on a daily basis.

4. Immediately report any suspicious credit or loan account activity-no matter how remote the suspicion to Diamond Lakes FCU or to the financial institution.

5. If you believe you may have been the victim of identity theft, Diamond Lakes’ Lifestyle Checking Powered by BaZing offers free Identity Theft Aid including payment card fraud resolution, $2,500 in personal identity theft benefits and identity restoration services. There is a site where you can learn more about how to protect yourself: www.idtheftcenter.org. You can also call the center’s toll-free number (888-400-5530) for advice on how to resolve identify-theft issues. All of the center’s services are free.

We are your member owned financial cooperative and at your service.