Prevent identity theft

Keeping your personal information to yourself

Every 10 seconds another U.S. citizen becomes a victim of identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau. Nearly 90% of those crimes occur "offline," meaning the thief stole private information from a garbage can, mailbox, receipt, or other paper records.

Protect yourself by signing up for e-statements from Spokane Teachers Credit Union, and keep your private information out of the hands of strangers.

How does identity theft occur?

Identity theft occurs when someone acquires key pieces of your personal information -- such as your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and mother's maiden name -- and uses that information to impersonate you for financial gain.

With this information, a thief could take over your financial accounts, open new bank accounts, purchase automobiles, apply for loans, credit cards, and Social Security benefits, rent apartments, and establish services with utility and phone companies.

Too many people make it easy to steal their identity. That's why Spokane Teachers Credit Union recommends the follow preventative measures to help protect yourself from identity theft.

Minimize your risk of identity theft:

• Carry only essential ID and cards.
• Sign all new credit cards immediately.
• Shred bills and receipts.
• Use secure e-statements from Spokane Teachers.
• Do not make Internet purchases from sites that are unsecure.
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery.
• Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.
• Never give personal information over the telephone or by e-mail.
• Shred preapproved credit applications.
• Destroy carbons.
• Never leave receipts at ATMs or gas pumps.
• Avoid writing PINs and other codes on your credit cards.
• Memorize your PINs and passwords.

Use caution when disclosing checking account numbers, credit card numbers, or other personal financial data at any website or online service location unless you receive a secured authentication key from your provider.

When you subscribe to an online service, you may be asked to give your credit card information. When you enter any interactive service site, beware of con artists who may ask you to "confirm" your enrollment service by disclosing passwords or the credit card account number you used to subscribe.

Identity theft checklist

If you are a victim of identity theft, the following checklist will help you organize the steps to take to protect yourself and your good name.

• Report the crime to the police immediately and obtain a copy of the police report.
• Call all of your credit card issuers and request replacement cards with new account numbers. Follow-up in writing, which protects you in case of a dispute. Monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of fraudulent activity.
• Notify Spokane Teachers Credit Union and other financial institutions of the theft. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers. Obtain new STCU CheckCards. Do not use old passwords or PIN numbers and avoid the use of last four digits of your Social Security number or date of birth.
• Monitor your account statement closely as you may be liable if fraudulent activity isn't reported quickly. If you suspect identity theft, call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies:
  • Equifax (800) 525-6285
  • Experian (888) 397-3742
  • Trans Union (800) 680-7289
• Ask that your accounts be flagged with a fraud alert and a victim's statement be added to your report. As a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to a FREE credit report.
• If checks are stolen or if new accounts have been set up fraudulently, report this to the check security companies in your area:
  • Chex Systems (800) 428-96233
  • Scan (800) 262-7771
  • Checkrite (800) 766-2748
  • Equifax (800) 473-5120
  • International Check Services (800) 631-9656
  • National Check Processing Co. (800) 526-5380
  • Telecheck (800) 710-9898
• In extreme cases, you may want to contact the local office of Social Security Administration to have your Social Security number changed. Be sure to notify all credit grantors, bureaus, and financial institutions of this change. Order a copy of your Personal Earnings & Benefits statement at (800) 722-1213 in case a thief is using your Social Security number for employment purposes.
• Notify the Postal Inspector if you suspect mail theft and alert your mail carrier.
• Call your telephone, electrical, and other utility companies. Alert them to the possibility that someone may attempt to establish new services using your identification. You may need to cancel long distance calling cards.
• Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles if your driver's license number has been compromised and/or used as identification on bad checks.

Keep a log

IMPORTANT: Keep a log of all conversations with authorities and financial institutions including dates, names, and phone numbers. Send correspondence by certified mail and keep copies of all letters and documents. Your files may become necessary to prove that you made a timely effort to stop the identity thief and cannot be held responsible for losses caused by the crook.