Oak Trust Credit Union - Identity Theft

Identity Theft Protection from oak Trust Credit Union

Did You Know...

You are more likely to become a victim of identity theft than you are to be in a car accident or develop heart disease?

If you become a victim, you will spend between 60 and 600 hours repairing your tainted identity?

Identity theft can cost you precious time and money. Anyone with a social security number (even a child) is a potential target. You can use services, such as AlertMe to monitor your Credit Bureau file, but first it is important to know some helpful tips:

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission), the nation’s consumer protection agency, suggests these tips to help avoid identity theft:

If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email.

Don't email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information.

Use anti-virus software on your home computer and keep it up to date.

Make sure nobody is "shoulder surfing" at the ATM or anywhere you enter your PIN for a transaction.

Shred receipts and other papers that have account numbers or personal data.

Don't leave outgoing mail in an unlocked mailbox.

For more information from the FTC, click here.

Online Shopping Tips
More and more consumers are shopping online. It's fast, it's easy, and it's convenient. But is it safe? It can be, as long as you are aware of the potential risks involved.

Is My Security Software Up to Date?
Ensure that spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software are updated. It is also important to make sure you have a secure firewall. Keeping your computer up to date with these security measures is the first step in making sure your computer is protected.

Is This a Trustworthy Merchant?
Is this retailer nationally known? Have you done business with this retailer before? Do they have a reputable standing? If you are not sure or are unfamiliar with the seller, look for feedback about the merchant and other reviews online. Also, reliable companies will display an address and phone number. Make sure these are valid before proceeding to the checkout.

Am I Making a Secure Purchase?
Look in the web address box on the top of your screen. It should read "https://". The "s" displayed after "http" indicates that the website is secure. A closed padlock or an unbroken key are two other symbols that indicate a secure website and should be easily located at the bottom of the screen.

Do I Understand the Privacy and Security Policy?
Read through the privacy policy before giving any personal information. The privacy policy will let you know how the company plans on using your information. If you are unable to find a privacy policy, consider that a red flag!

Am I Still Wary About Making a Purchase?
If you've updated your security settings and you've done your research on the company and you’re still unsure about buying, you might want to think twice before making your purchase. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Sometimes your gut instinct is the best safe guard against letting your personal information wind up in the wrong hands.