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Fraud Education

Fraud Defender

We’ve partnered with a national identity theft protection service called "Fraud Defender" to help provide aggressive safeguards for our valued members. Our streamlined checking accounts come with both financial rewards as well as peace of mind with the Fraud Defender program.


HELP US KEEP EVERYONE SAFE!
We live in an amazing, connected world. An event can occur half-way around the world and not only will we know about it in a few minutes, but we'll have live reports and be able to see it as it happens.  Unfortunately, everything seems to have a potentially dark side and that is also true with computers, the internet and the digital world in which we live.  

Thieves are using technology to attempt to steal identities, access accounts, and even hoodwink you into giving them the information they need to earn their dishonest living.  With the wide-spread increase in consumer fraud, we think it is important to have a place you can go to find out about the latest schemes to steal your identity or illegally access your accounts.


Helpful Resources

ID Theft and Fraud

  • Credit Reports – Get Report A service created by the three major credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report each year as required by law. 1-877-322-8228
  • Consumer Guide: "Free Credit Report" Imposters: Learn More
  • Federal Trade Commission 
    Federal agency established for consumer protection. 1-877-ID-THEFT / 1-877-438-4338
  • Internet Crimes Complaint Center  
    A joint venture between the F.B.I., the National White Collar Crime Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Internet and email crimes can be reported here.
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
    All things F.B.I. with daily updates with alerts, crimes committed and crimes solved.



Protect Yourself

There is no guarantee that you'll never fall victim to some form of identity theft. But there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Sign up for eStatements and online bill payment. eStatements are convenient and since you receive them electronically you can review activity faster than if you were to wait for a paper statement in the mail. If you need a paper statement, it can be printed from your computer.
  • Secure your postal mail. An unlocked mailbox is a treasure chest for thieves. Credit card statements, convenience checks and solicitations, tax information and account numbers are all at risk. Never mail outgoing bill payments and checks from your home mailbox. Use a USPS mailbox.
  • Keep documents secured. Checkbooks, statements, etc. should be kept out of sight at home. Sadly, identity theft is often perpetrated by friends, roommates, in-home employees or family members.
  • Safeguard your Social Security number. Never carry your card with you. Don't put your number on your checks. It's the primary target for identity thieves because it gives them access to your credit report and bank accounts.
  • Keep your PIN private. Memorize your PIN. Don’t write it on your card or keep it in your wallet for a thief to find. Don’t lend your card to anyone else.
  • Before discarding, shred private documents. A shredder is very effective, especially the cross-cut or diamond-cut type.
  • Don't leave a paper trail. Never leave ATM, credit card or other receipts behind.
  • Know who you're dealing with. Whenever anyone contacts you asking for private identity or financial information, make no response other than to find out who they are, what company they represent and the reason for the call. If you think the request is legitimate, contact the company yourself and confirm what you were told before revealing any of your personal data.
  • Review your credit card statements carefully. Make sure you recognize the merchants, locations and purchases listed before paying the bill. Keep only the cards that you need.
  • Review your credit report. Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud by reviewing your credit report on a regular basis. You are entitled to receive a free copy every year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. When you want a copy of your credit report, be sure to request it from a legitimate source, like www.annualcreditreport.com

Resources

Fraud Defender

NXG

Protect Yourself!