Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

What to Do if It Happens to You

Identity theft typed on paper

At Journey Credit Union, we take your security seriously. With the increasing prevalence of digital transactions, identity theft has become a growing concern for individuals and businesses alike. As more personal information is shared online, the risk of this data being stolen or misused rises. Identity theft can lead to financial loss, stress, and confusion, but by understanding how it happens and knowing how to respond, you can better protect yourself.

HOW IDENTITY THEFT HAPPENS

Identity theft can happen in various ways. At Journey Credit Union, we want to ensure our members understand the risks:

  • Phishing Scams: Fraudulent emails or texts pretending to be from legitimate sources, asking you to provide personal information.
  • Data Breaches: Hackers gaining access to large databases of personal information stored by companies or services.
  • Lost or Stolen Physical Items: Stolen wallets, purses, or even mail can provide thieves with valuable personal information.
  • Social Media Oversharing: Sharing too much personal information online, such as birthdays, addresses, or even your mother’s maiden name, can give thieves what they need.
  • Unsecure Websites: Entering personal information on websites that don’t offer secure encryption can leave you vulnerable to hackers.

 

SIGNS YOUR IDENTITY MAY HAVE BEEN STOLEN 

Identity theft can be difficult to detect until the damage is done, but at Journey Credit Union, we recommend keeping an eye out for these warning signs:

  • Unexplained charges or withdrawals from your accounts.
  • Credit or loan rejections when you have a solid credit history.
  • Missing bills or financial statements, which could indicate someone has changed your address.
  • New accounts or credit cards that you didn’t open.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN

If you suspect that your identity has been compromised, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what we at Journey Credit Union recommend:

1. Notify Journey Credit Union Immediately

If you notice any unusual activity on your accounts, contact us right away. We’ll help you secure your accounts, reverse fraudulent charges, and issue new debit or credit cards. You can reach us at (515) 243-8735 or visit us in person at any of our branch locations.

2. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

Contact all of the major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert. This will make it harder for anyone to open new accounts in your name without additional verification.

3. Check Your Credit Report

Request a copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus to see if there are any unauthorized accounts or suspicious activity. Don’t be afraid to reach out, we are here to help in any way we can!

4. Report the Identity Theft

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. They’ll provide you with an official record and a recovery plan to help you move forward.

5. File a Police Report

In certain situations, such as large financial losses or identity theft involving stolen physical items (like your wallet or mail), filing a police report is important. Be sure to include any documentation you have, including your FTC report and any fraudulent transaction records.

6. Dispute Unauthorized Transactions

If any fraudulent charges have been made on your accounts, dispute them with the financial institutions involved. At Journey Credit Union, we’re here to guide you through the process and help ensure your accounts are protected and the fraud is resolved quickly.

7. Consider a Credit Freeze

A credit freeze can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name until you lift the freeze. This can give you peace of mind while you work to resolve any fraudulent activity.

HOW JCU HELPS PROTECT YOU

At Journey Credit Union, we go the extra mile to protect our members from identity theft and fraud. Here’s what we do:

  • Account Monitoring: We offer secure online and mobile banking services that allow you to monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
  • Card Protection: Our debit and credit cards come with fraud monitoring services, and you can instantly freeze your card if you suspect fraudulent activity.
  • Secure Transactions: We use advanced encryption technology to keep your personal and financial information secure during online transactions.
  • Education & Support: We regularly provide tips and resources to help you stay informed and protected against fraud. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions about protecting your identity.

HOW TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

While no one can completely eliminate the risk of identity theft, we recommend taking the following precautions:

  • Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your passwords are complex and unique for different accounts.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: For an extra layer of security, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
  • Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your statements and transactions in online or mobile banking to spot any unusual activity.
  • Shred Sensitive Documents: Before disposing of documents containing personal information, shred them to prevent dumpster diving thieves from accessing your data.
  • Be Cautious Online: Only share personal information on secure websites and be wary of phishing scams.

Conclusion

At Journey Credit Union, we are committed to helping our members stay safe and secure. If identity theft happens to you, knowing how to respond is crucial in minimizing the damage. Always report any suspicious activity right away, and we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your financial safety.

Remember, we’re here to help. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at (515) 243-8735 or visit us at one of our branches. Together, we can protect your financial future!

For additional resources and a personalized recovery plan, visit IdentityTheft.gov.

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