Identity Theft

Learn How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Protect Yourself

Take a few simple measures to protect your personal information and significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft.

When You're Online

Shopping

• Make sure the website is secure–a padlock symbol should appear at the bottom of your browser.
• Check to see if the website has a privacy statement.
• Look for a logo verifying the site's security and identity, such as VeriSign.
• Be sure to log off or log out after your session.

Credit cards

• Only provide your account number when you are ready to purchase.
• Print and review your order confirmation.
• Check your account frequently to make sure no unauthorized transactions have occurred.

Email

"Phishing" Schemes

"Phishing" is a kind of credit and debit card fraud. By pretending to email from a bank or similar site, scammers "fish" for account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, etc. They trick consumers into divulging sensitive information so that unlawful charges can be made on the consumers' accounts.

These schemes change frequently and often have links or attachments with links. Users who click on the links are taken to look-alike or "spoofed" sites where they are asked to enter personal data.

Please note that we will NEVER send emails requesting members to submit account or personal information. If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from United Methodist Connectional FCU that includes your full account number, do not respond to it. Instead, call us immediately. If you have replied to an email with personal information, and now think the email was fraudulent, please call us immediately.

• Only open email from people you know.
• If an email asks you to verify account information or enter personal information into a pop-up window, it's not from United Methodist Connectional FCU.
• Don't send personal information by email.
• Check for obvious grammatical or spelling errors.
• If the email refers you to a website, verify the site's certificate.

How to tell if you are providing information at a valid secure United Methodist Connectional FCU Website:

Personal information should only be provided on secure web pages. If you are directed from an email to a United Methodist Connectional FCU Website and want to know if the page is valid and secure:

• Double-click the padlock to open the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate.
• Current information for the SSL certificate should appear.

Passwords

• Don't use easily identifiable information such as your Social Security number or birthday.
• Use a mix of letters and numbers.
• Change your passwords regularly.
• Don't share your passwords with anyone.

When You're Everywhere Else:

• Sign all new cards and put them in a safe place.
• Don't use an obvious number, such as your date of birth or phone number, for your PIN.
• Never carry your PIN with you or write it on the back of your card.
• Keep a list of account numbers in a safe place along with contact numbers and addresses. This information is crucial if you're reporting a problem to your creditors.
• Review your credit reports regularly. You can obtain a copy of your credit report from one of the following credit bureaus:
  Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
  Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
• Install anti-virus software and update it regularly with the most current version.
• Purchase a program that regularly upgrades your virus protection.
• Scan all files on your computer periodically for viruses.
• Install firewall software and update it regularly with the most current version.
• Remove sensitive information from your hard drive and place it on removable diskettes and CDs.