Help Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft and Scams

Person holding a debit card next to a laptop at coffee shop
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

There are endless types of fraud out there. Now more than ever, consumers have to be alert and conscientious. Identity theft (and scams) can occur when someone’s information is stolen — both physically and online.

At SLCCU, we communicate with our members in a variety of ways. Please know …

  • We will never call, text or email you asking for your personal account information including your account number, Online Banking password or other account information.
  • We will never send you an email directing you to a website to verify any of your personal or account information for any transaction.
  • SLCCU staff members will never ask for your password or personal identification number (PIN) to any of our Credit Union services.
  • Before taking action on any suspicious activity that references your membership with SLCCU, please call us directly to speak with a Solutions Center representative.


The key to avoiding becoming a victim of scams is to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

Invest in a personal shredder
A personal shredder can be your first line of defense. Shred checking and credit card statements, cancelled checks, pre-approved credit card offers or anything with your personal information on it before disposal.

Monitor your accounts
Be sure to monitor your financial accounts and transactions for fraudulent activity. Stay on top of all your account activity 24/7 by enabling alerts within your SLCCU mobile app or Online Banking.

 

Simply:

 

  1. Log into your app
  2. Click Manage Alerts
  3. Select General
  4. Click Change in Contact Info Alert
  5. Enable Alert, and switch the toggle to the right
  6. Choose how to receive alert notifications via email, text or push notifications

 

Follow the same steps for Login Alert.

Balance your checkbook, and verify all account and credit card statements as soon as they arrive. Consider paying all of your bills electronically with online bill pay. Notify your financial institution immediately if you notice potentially fraudulent activity on your account.

 

Watch your credit report
Request a copy of your credit report each year from annualcreditreport.com. Or reach out to the major credit reporting agencies:

  • Equifax®: 1-888-766-0008
  • Experian®: 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion®: 1-800-680-7289

You can also invest in a credit monitoring service.

Protect your checks, credit and debit cards
Be mindful of your checks, credit and debit cards. Keep them in a safe place. Also, don’t write your PIN on your credit or debit cards, or leave them in your wallet for thieves to find.

Beware of phishing
Phishing occurs when scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may try to steal your passwords, account numbers or Social Security numbers, which could give them access to your email and other accounts. Phishing emails and text messages may look like they’re from a company you know or trust, like your financial institution, a credit card company, a social networking site, an online payment website or app, or an online store. The messages try to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. Don’t do it. For more information on phishing, click here.

At the end of the day, you should never offer personal or account information over the phone without verifying the caller’s identity or respond to an email, phone call or text asking for confidential information.

Your identity is one of the most valuable possessions you own. You owe it to yourself to protect it. Click here for more information.
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