Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union
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Identity Theft
In the course of a busy day, you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a ball game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, or apply for a credit card. Each transaction requires you to share personally identifying information, like your name, address and phone numbers, your bank and credit card account numbers, your income, and your Social Security number. Chances are you don’t give these everyday transactions a second thought; but someone else may. This can lead to the all-too-common occurrence of identity theft.
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years—and thousands of dollars—cleaning up the mess that identity thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans for education, housing, or cars, and, even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.
Awareness is an effective weapon against identity theft. The more you know how to protect your identity and what to do if a problem occurs, the harder it is for identity thieves to commit their crimes. CEFCU, along with several government agencies, are working hard to provide you with information and resources to help you guard against and recover from identity theft. Your first step begins here.
Focus Newsletters Articles:
- Watch Out for Common Scams (Fall 2012, page 3)
- Financial Vacation Tips That Make Sense (Summer 2011, page 2)
Government Websites:
- ftc.gov/idtheft - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, supplies comprehensive information on how to protect yourself and take action. Information on identity theft is also available by telephone, 1-877-ID-THEFT.
- ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/deter-detect-defend.html - Download free brochures offered by the FTC.
- OnGuardOnline.gov - Practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
