Helping Protect You

Our digital lives make things easier, but sometimes they can put us at risk for identity theft. Identity thieves can commit fraud using our names, Social Security numbers, credit card information, and other personal financial data. Marine CU is here to help you protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.

When it comes to ensuring your financial security and protecting yourself against identity theft, the best thing you can do is take steps to prevent it from happening.

You can contact each of the three credit reporting agencies to freeze your credit and prevent anyone from requesting a copy of your credit report.

Thieves can steal your identity by lifting bank or credit card statements, utility bills, or even pre-approved credit card offers from your mailbox.

Know your statement cycles and review each statement closely for any suspicious activity.

Keep necessary documents containing your personal information in a secure place like a safe and shred the rest.

Use long, complex, and unique passwords and vary your passwords from account to account.

You can get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies annually.

Learn more about identity theft and how to protect yourself.

BE SAFE FROM FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS, SCAMS, AND LOANS

ELDER FRAUD GUIDE

FRAUD EDUCATION AND RESOURCES

HELP GUIDE FOR MEMBERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED FRAUD

Frequently Asked Questions: Identity Theft and Security

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is a serious crime. An identity thief takes your personal or financial information and uses it by posing as you or performing financial transactions in your name without your knowledge. For example, an ID thief may charge items to your bank account or open a credit card or other fraudulent account in your name.

What are 4 types of identity theft?

Identity theft can occur in many ways:

Computer crime occurs when your personal information is stolen during your online activities, such as logging into an account or making a purchase on the web.

Personal betrayal occurs when a friend, relative, or stranger steals your information and uses it without your knowledge or consent.

Document loss occurs when you lose your wallet or credit cards or someone steals your information from your mail or trash.

Business leaks occur when your personal information is stolen from a place where you’ve done business. The business might alert you to a data breach.

How does someone steal your identity?

Identity thieves or scammers can steal your identity by getting their hands on your personal financial information online, when you’re conducting business in person, or over the phone.

Thieves may obtain your account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information, then use that information to pose as you or perform financial transactions in your name without your knowledge.

What red flags should I look for in identity theft?

It’s not always easy to spot a stolen identity, but there are many red flags to watch for:

  • Unexplained charges or withdrawals on your bank and credit card statements
  • New credit cards or accounts you didn’t apply for or open
  • Missing mail or email, such as account statements
  • Errors on your credit report
  • Errors on your tax return or Social Security statement
  • Collection notices or calls for unknown debt

How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you think your Social Security information has been stolen, it’s important to act quickly. The best way to check if someone may be using your SSN is to check your credit report. You can do this online through AnnualCreditReport.com or by contacting each of the three reporting agencies.

When you have your credit report, review it for anything out of the ordinary. If you spot something suspicious, someone may be fraudulently using your information.

What should I do if my identity is stolen?

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides checklists, sample letters, and contact information to guide you through the ID theft recovery process.

We have your financial security in mind

Marine Credit Union can help you gain control of your financial security. Open an account with Marine Credit Union today.

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