Consumer Protection

• Get a free copy of your credit report
• Identity Theft: Reduce your risk
• Avoid Phishing scams
• Tips to help you stay safe when using ATMs

Get a FREE copy of your credit report

The nation's three consumer credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - have established a centralized credit report request service, annualcreditreport.com, to process requests for free credit file disclosures, as required by law.

Annualcreditreport.com offers consumers a convenient way to request their credit reports in a secure environment. The site is for exclusive use of consumers requesting their free credit report every 12 months under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act).

Annualcreditreport.com, the only service authorized by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, allows consumers to request, view, and print one, two, or all three of their free credit reports in a fast and convenient way via a secure Internet site. Consumers should not provide their personal information to any other company or person in connection with requesting free annual credit file disclosures under the FACT Act.

Additionally, the service offers consumers the option of requesting their credit reports by telephone or by mail. Forms to request credit reports by mail can be printed from the site. Telephone and mail request will be processed within 15 days of receipt.

Internet URL: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
For your security, www.AnnualCreditReport.com cannot be accessed from this website. Please copy and paste the address into your Internet browser. Toll Free number: 1-877-322-8228

Mailing Address: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Consumers wishing to mail in their request must complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form. This form can be printed from www.ftc.gov/credit.

For help in interpreting your credit report, you're welcome to call BALANCE, the free, confidential financial-counseling service for credit union members. BALANCE counselors are available Monday through Saturday by calling 1-888-456-2227 or by linking to the BALANCE Web site.

Identity Theft: Reduce Your Risk

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name or personal information, such as your Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number, telephone number or other account numbers, without your permission. Identity thieves use this information to open credit accounts, bank accounts, telephone service accounts, and make major purchases - all in your name. Information can be used to take over your existing accounts or to open new accounts. Identity theft can result in damage to your credit rating and denials of credit and job offers.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Identity theft commonly begins with the loss or theft of a wallet or purse. But there are many other ways that criminals can get and use your personal information in order to commit identity theft. The following are some examples:

Example #1

One evening, you sit down to pay your monthly bills. You write the checks, toss the statements in the trash and put the container out on the curb for the morning's trash pick-up. While you sleep, "dumpster-divers" go through your trash looking for the papers you've thrown away. They discover a gold mine of information that can be used for fraudulent purposes - your name, address, phone number, utility service account numbers, credit card numbers, and your Social Security number.

Example #2

You receive an e-mail message from what appears to be your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The message requests that you update the information they have on file about you - your name, credit card number, bank account number, etc. - by replying to the e-mail or going to a specific Web site address to provide the information. However, neither the message nor the Web site address is from your ISP. They belong to someone who wants to get your information to steal your identity.

Protect Your Identity

While there is no guarantee that your identity will never be stolen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

• Online Education - Take steps to avoid becoming a victim, or to recover if damage has been already done.
• Do not give out your Social Security number to people or companies that you do not know.
• Before disclosing any personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.
• Shred information you no longer need that contains personally identifiable information and account numbers. For example, credit card receipts, billing statements and pre-approved credit offers should be shredded before you discard them.
• Guard your mail from theft. Promptly remove your incoming mail from your mailbox and place outgoing mail in post office collection boxes. Install a locking mailbox if mail theft is a problem in your neighborhood.
• Keep the personal information you have at home and at work in a safe place.
• Do not carry extra credit cards, your birth certificate or passport, or other cards that display your Social Security number in your wallet or purse, except when necessary.
• Create unique passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) and avoid using easily available information such as mother's maiden name, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Use passwords on your banking and brokerage accounts.
• Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies at least once a year. Review the reports to be sure no one else is using your identity to open new accounts or to use your existing accounts. 

If You're a Victim

• Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file and include a statement that creditors must get your permission before any new accounts are opened in your name. Get a copy of your credit report from each credit bureau so that you can dispute any inaccurate information. Get a FREE copy of your credit report tells how. Check your reports at least every six months
• Contact all the creditors involved. Let them know that your accounts may have been used without your permission, or that new accounts have been opened in your name. If your accounts have been used fraudulently, ask that new cards and account numbers be issued to you. Check your billing statements carefully and report any fraudulent activity immediately. Many banks and creditors will accept the "ID Theft Affidavit," available at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, to dispute the fraudulent charges.
• File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of a crime.
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC provides useful information to identity theft victims and maintains a database of identity theft cases for use by law enforcement agencies. File a report with the FTC by calling the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338); by mail, Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20580; or online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Also request a copy of the publication, "ID Theft, When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name."
• Keep a record of your contacts. Start a file with copies of your credit reports, the police report, any correspondence, and copies of disputed bills. It is also useful to keep a log of your conversations with creditors, law enforcement officials, and other relevant parties. Follow up all phone calls in writing and send all correspondence certified, return receipt requested.

Additional Resources

Non-Profit Organizations

BALANCE Financial Fitness Program
1-888-456-2227
BalancePro

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
3100 Fifth Avenue, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: 619-298-3396
www.privacyrights.org

Identity Theft Resource Center
P.O. Box 26833
San Diego, CA 92196
www.idtheftcenter.org

Federal Government Agencies

Federal Bureau of Investigation
www.fbi.gov
FBI Internet Fraud Complaint Center
www.fbi.gov

Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20580
1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Social Security Administration
SSA Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235
1-800-269-0271
www.ssa.gov/oig/hotline

U.S. Postal Inspection Service
www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect

State and Local Government Agencies
Contact your State Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency to find out whether your state has laws related to identity theft.

Published by American Express in cooperation with the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and the Identity Theft Resource Center. Information was prepared with the assistance of the Federal Trade Commission. This document may be reproduced for non-profit educational purposes. © 2002, American Express Company Consumer Affairs Office, 801 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004

Avoid Phishing scams

You'd never purposely give sensitive financial information, passwords, or personal data to someone you didn't know. Yet in a common Internet scam, that's what unsuspecting e-mail users end up doing when they respond to what they think is a request from their financial institution.

Phishing (pronounced "fishing") is a type of online financial fraud where a con artist uses e-mail and a phony Web site to trick you into giving out your personal data.

Here's how it works: A con artist sends an e-mail that looks like it's from your bank, credit union, or credit card issuer. The e-mail asks you to provide information to the company through its Web site, and the scammer has conveniently provided an embedded link for you to click. The link takes you to what looks like the bank or credit union's legitimate site. But, in fact, it's a counterfeit site set up to collect all sorts of data - account numbers, passwords, credit card data, and Social Security numbers - that the con artist will use to defraud you.

The "phisher" has a variety of "hooks" in his tackle box. Many play on fears that fraudulent activity already has occurred on your account. They encourage you to act now to stop further abuse and might include phrasing like:

• "We need to verify your personal information."
• "We've placed a hold on your account due to failed log-ins or suspicious activity."
• "Failure to respond leaves us no choice other than to close your account."

When well-meaning consumers respond, the next thing they know, their checking accounts have been emptied, their credit cards maxed out, and their personal data used to open fraudulent accounts in their name!

Until now, customers of big banks and Internet merchants have been the main targets. (Crooks like to cast thousands of e-mail hooks knowing some "phish" will bite.) But as one of the state's largest credit unions, we can't dismiss the possibility that phishers will try to con our members, too.

What you can do to avoid getting "reeled in"

• Know that we'd NEVER e-mail you asking you to verify personal data or correct problems with an account. Nor do we send e-mails with embedded forms soliciting sensitive information. If you receive an e-mail like that, call us right away at 1-888-628-4010 or forward the e-mail to accounts@secuwa.org!
• Type our URL into your browser when contacting our Web site (or bookmark it). We have one and only one Web site: www.secuwa.org.
• Don't trust any unsolicited e-mail asking you for personal information, credit card numbers, ATM PINs, etc. If you ever doubt an e-mail that says it's from us, call and check it out. We can verify if one of our employees really did send you an e-mail.
• Use the latest version of your browser. Also, periodically visit your browser-software vendor's Web site to download security patches.
• Check your online accounts regularly. If you see anything suspicious, let us know!
• Review all statements promptly and compare any charges to your receipts. Your statements are often the first clue to fraudulent activity.

Tips to help you stay safe when using ATMs

• Memorize your secret Personal Identification Number (PIN) and don't share it with anyone. Don't write it on your card.
• Make sure no one can see you enter your PIN onto the ATM keypad. Shield the keypad with your body and hand.
• Never tell anyone your PIN over the phone. Even if a caller claims to work for the police, School Employees Credit Union of Washington, Visa®, or any other organization, don't share your PIN. No one needs to know it but you.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. If you notice anything suspicious, consider using another ATM or returning later.
• Have someone accompany you to the ATM if possible.
• Park nearby in a well-lighted area.
• Don't display your cash. Instead, pocket the money and count it later in the safety of your car or home.
• Cancel your transaction if necessary. If you notice anything suspicious nearby after you begin your transaction, cancel it, pocket your card, and leave.
• At a drive-up ATM, keep your car running and doors locked. Be ready to exit quickly if a stranger approaches your car.
• If you're followed from an ATM, go to a busy area where people are or the nearest police/fire station.
• Report all crimes and suspicious activities to the ATM owner and local law enforcement agency immediately.