Protecting your finances and privacy is an important matter. This information that can help you protect yourself from fraud, losses and lack of privacy.
What To Do If You Think Your Identity Has Been Stolen
If you feel that you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft relating to your Credit Union or card,
please contact us immediately during business hours 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., CST, Monday through Friday: (918) 336-7662 or (800) 897-6991. After hours, you can call (800) VISA-911 to have your debit card and Credit Union VISA
® card closed.
If you suspect someone has used your name, Social Security Number or driver's license to obtain credit, contact each of the three credit bureaus:
Equifax (800) 525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
TransUnion (800) 680-7289
- •Get a copy of your report. Victims of ID theft can receive copies of their credit reports free.
- •Make sure your account(s) are flagged with a “fraud alert” tag and a “victim’s statement.” Ask to keep the alert on your account for seven years.
- •Always send these requests in writing and keep a copy for yourself.
- •Then, contact the proper authorities. In the United States, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to file a complaint. If you are a victim of any type of identity theft, call the FTC's toll free Identity Theft Hotline at (877) ID-THEFT or (877) 438-4338. To help minimize your responsibility for any debts incurred due to identity theft download and print the FTC's Identity Theft affidavit and send a copy to all credit card agencies involved.
- •File a report with your local police or law enforcement agency. In Bartlesville, the Police Department phone number is (918) 338-4001. Get a copy of the police report to notify your bank, credit card company and other creditors that you are a victim of crime, not a credit abuser.
- •Reduce the number of credit and debit cards you carry in your wallet. Most identity theft happens when a purse or wallet is stolen.
- •Do not use debit cards when shopping online. Use a credit card; you are better protected in case of fraud.
- •Keep a list or photocopy of all your credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, expiration dates and telephone numbers of the customer service and fraud departments in a secure place (not your purse or wallet) so you can quickly contact these companies in case your credit cards are stolen or accounts are being used fraudulently.
- •Never give out your Social Security Number, credit or debit card number or other personal information over the phone, by mail or on the Internet unless you have a trusted business relationship with the company and you have initiated the call.
- •Always take credit card receipts with you. Never toss them in them a public trash container.
- •Watch the mail when you expect a new or reissued credit card to arrive. Contact the issuer if the card does not arrive. Sign the back of all your credit cards.
- •Make sure your mailbox is secure.
- •Buy a shredder and use it to shred sensitive documents before tossing them in the trash.
- •Order your credit report at least once a year. Federal law gives you the right to one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Special Precautions for Passwords and PINs
- •When creating passwords and PINs (personal identification numbers), do not use the last four digits of your Social Security Number, mother's maiden name, your birth date, middle name, etc. It's best to create passwords that combine letters and numbers.
- •Ask the Credit Union to add extra security protection to your account. You can add an additional code or password when accessing your account.
- •Memorize all your passwords. Don't record them on anything in your wallet.
Additional Fraud and ID Theft Resources
Identity Theft
US Government ID Theft Center
Identity Theft Resource Center
Privacy
Federal Trade Commission – Privacy
Our Privacy Policy
Check Your Credit
Get Your Free Credit Report
Credit/Debit Cards
Verified by Visa
Federal Trade Commission – Credit Fraud
Email Fraud
Phishing – Federal Trade Commission
Nigerian Scams
Recognize Phishing Scams
Internet Usage
Federal Trade Commission – Internet Shopping
Home Computer Security
Home Computer Security
Protect Your Home Computer--Tips from Microsoft