Protecting Your Identity

Unfortunately, identity theft and fraud have become a risk of everyday business. Here at Union Federal, your privacy and security always come first. We are committed to customer safety and protection. Learn what steps you can take to protect yourself against these threats with the following tips offered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Protect Your Personal Information

• Limit the number of credit cards and checks that you carry. Don't carry PIN numbers with your cards.
• Don't leave receipts from ATMs, restaurants, stores, and gasoline pumps at those locations. Take them with you.
• Be on the lookout for "shoulder surfers" watching you enter your PIN at the ATM or cash register.
• Safeguard your Social Security Number. Don't have it pre-printed on your driver's license or checks. Ask why someone needs it before making the decision to give it out.
• Shred all documents containing sensitive information before throwing them out.
• Destroy expired or unneeded credit, debit, or ATM cards so the numbers and magnetic strip cannot be read.

Be Alert, Be Careful

• Review your credit reports annually. Dispute and remove any errors or unknown accounts in the reports.
• Review credit card and bank statements and bills regularly. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately - verbally and in writing.
• Refrain from giving personal and account information to others by phone, fax, mail, or e-mail unless you have initiated the communication.

Added Tips for Online Safety

• Use anti-virus, anti-spam, and anti-spyware software on your computer. Be sure to keep the software up to date.
• Do not respond to requests for personal information from unsolicited e-mails or pop-up windows.
• Ensure that you use secure web sites for sensitive transactions or communications. Look for the "s" in the "https" and the lock padlock icon in the bottom right of the screen.
• Before discarding any personal computer clean the hard drive.

If You Are or Think You May Be A Victim of Identity Theft

• Report lost or stolen credit, debit, or ATM cards to financial institutions immediately - verbally and in writing.
• Contact the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Contact law enforcement and file a police report.
• Report the incident(s) to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which keeps track of reported crimes and shares information with law enforcement throughout the country.

If you would like further information or materials on Identity Theft, please visit the FTC website.