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According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, more than 400,000 people
had their lives disputed by Identity theft in the year 2001. It could
affect you -- or someone you know -- at any time, and it is expected to
affect millions over the next few years.
Identity theft occurs
when someone takes your personal information -- such as your financial
institution account numbers or your social security number -- and then
posses as you to run up charges and virtually destroy your financial credibility.
It can takes months -- possibly years -- to even learn you have been victimized.
Typically you learn of the intrusion(s) when applying for mortgage or
other type of loan and your credit report indicates you have not paid
certain bills -- bills that were created by identity thieves without your
knoledge.
Three Rivers Federal
Credit Union considers this crime a very serious threat. We continually
monitor our security initiatives to protect members and their accounts.
However, total security is only possible with your help.
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1
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Don't
Give Personal Information,
such as account or credit card numbers,
via telephone or Internet unless you initiate the contact. Financial
institutions and credit card companies typically already have this
information and would not need to request it from you.
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4
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Guard
Your Personal Identification Numbers and treat your receipts
with care. Leaving them behind or throwing them away could leave
them vulnerable to thieves, who may be able to use them to access
your accounts.
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2
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Report
Lost or Stolen Checks immediately and properly store
canceled checks. Examine new checks to be sure none were stolen
during shipment and store them is a safe location.
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5
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Make
Sure Your Mailbox is Secure and promptly remove mail
once delivered. Identity thieves often will raid mailboxes to obtain
credit card offers and financial statements.
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3
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Destroy
Unused Financial Solicitations before discarding them.
Also, tear up other financial documents before discarding them.
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Contact
Major Credit Reporting Companies [listed below] annually
to review your file. A copy of your credit report is available for
a small fee.
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Equifax
Credit Information Services, Inc.
(800) 525-6285 *
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
www.equifax.com
*
Hearing impaired call 800.255.0056, ask operator to call Auto Disclosure
Line at 800.685.1111
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Experian
Information Solutions, Inc.
888.397.3742/ TDD 800.972.0322
P.O. Box 9530, Allen, TX 75013
www.experian.com
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TransUnion
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
800.680.7289/ TDD 877.553.7803
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634-6790
www.tuc.com
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