Saturday, January 14, 2006

identity theft

IDENTITY THEFT
Submitted by PSECU's Loss Prevention & Security Division

Identity theft, sadly, it seems to be the buzzword these days. It’s almost impossible to turn on the news or pick up the paper without hearing about yet another person who has had all that they have worked for jeopardized by someone who has assumed their identity. But how did the thieves get this information in the first place? What can you do to protect yourself? Fortunately, there are some very easy things you can do to help safeguard your identity. By being aware of the common scams and following some of the tips below, you can help safeguard your identity:

Credit Union Tips:

If you have an older PSECU account (accounts opened before June 11, 2001) it is strongly suggested that you change your account number. The number will be changed to a randomly generated 10-digit number. To change your account number to a randomly generated number, call 717.234.8484 in Harrisburg or 800.237.7328 nationwide. At the menu prompt, enter 81 and follow the instructions. During the call, you will receive your new account number. You will also receive a confirmation letter with your new account number.
Changing your account number does NOT affect your account PIN or passwords. Any account number that is changed prior to 11:30 p.m. will be available under the new account number the next business day. Once changed, your number cannot be changed again.
General Tips:

Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) should be memorized. Never write a PIN on the back of a debit or credit card. Do not use PINs that can be easily guessed such as your date of birth or portions of your phone number.
Memorize your Social Security number and never carry your card with you unless you know you will need it that day for something specific.
Keep items with personal information secure. Always shred credit card receipts, unused pre-approved credit card offers, pre-printed catalogue order forms, insurance forms, expired credit cards or other items containing sensitive account and personal information.
Beware of phishing scams! Phishing is defined as the online solicitation of consumers' personal data by thieves who "bait" potential victims with emails and lure them to Web sites that appear legitimate. The Web site then asks you to enter personal information. The best thing to do if you receive an e-mail from a company asking for personal information is to contact them directly to make sure what you have received is legitimate.
Check your credit report. Once a year, get a copy of your credit report from any one of the three main credit reporting agencies and check for errors on the report.
Resources:

Currently, the law permits the credit bureaus to charge you up to $9 for each report, but in 2005 consumers will be able to get one free copy of their credit report annually. To see if you are now eligible and to receive your FREE FACT Act credit report, Click Here!
PSECU has teamed up with Equifax to provide members with discounted low-cost credit reports. For more information, Click Here!
These are just a few of the steps you can take to help keep your identity safe and secure. If you would like to learn more about identity theft and keeping your identity secure, please review related articles in the PSECU Security Center, Click Here!

2 Comments:

At 4:50 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great work!
[url=http://sgetvhyt.com/mnsb/uvml.html]My homepage[/url] | [url=http://ulitjtrq.com/dunh/gdee.html]Cool site[/url]

 
At 4:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great work!
http://sgetvhyt.com/mnsb/uvml.html | http://uyntpvnb.com/xpme/zyov.html

 

Post a Comment

<< Home