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ID Theft

 

What is Identity Theft?

 

Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personal information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, in order to impersonate someone else. The information can be used to obtain credit, merchandise, and services in the name of the victim, or to provide the thief with false credentials.

 

In addition to running up debt, an imposter might provide false identification to police, creating a criminal record or leaving outstanding arrest warrants for the person whose identity has been stolen.

 

Click here to watch a video about how CDFCU protects your personal information.

 

Click here to download an Identity Theft brochure.

 

How can I protect myself?

 

• Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail/e-mail or online unless you've initiated the contact or are sure you know who you're dealing with. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of companies you trust.

 

• Use a cross-cut paper shredder to shred documents with important account information on them instead of throwing them away.

 

• Don't carry your Social Security card. Leave it in a secure place.

 

• Guard your mail and trash from theft: Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes rather than in an unsecured mailbox. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.

 

• Only give your Social Security Number when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible.

 

• When ordering new checks, pick them up at the credit union, rather than having them sent to your home mailbox.

 

Signs You are a Victim of Identity Theft

 

 

• You receive a phone call or letter telling you that you have been approved or denied credit for accounts that you never requested.

 

• You no longer receive your credit card statements, or you notice that some of your mail seems to be missing.

 

• Your credit card statement includes charges for things you know you never bought.

 

• A collection agency tells you they are collecting for an account you never opened.

 

• If you notice anything like this, it's possible you've become a victim of identity theft.

 

What to do if You are a Victim of ID Theft

 

If you notice fraudulent/unauthorized activity on your accounts at CD Federal or other financial institutions, report them to the institution immediately.  CD Federal’s phone number is 925-825-0900. Click here for other contact info.

 

Click on the website below to find out more about what to do if you are a victim of identity theft, click on the Emergency Help Page: http://www.fightidentitytheft.com.

 

Http://www.fightidentitytheft.com also has great resources to help you educate yourself on how to keep your information sharing at a minimum, find out about the latest scams and more.

 

Other ways your information can be stolen is through Phishing and spyware.  Please click to the appropriate link for details.

 

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