Two pieces of information that credit thieves are most interested in - credit card numbers and Social Security numbers. With your credit card number, a thief can charge items to your account and with your Social Security number, they can steel your identity and cause financial harm.
- Carry few credit cards and keep them secure. Your cards aren’t the only place where your account information could be stored. Be cautious with credit card receipts and anything with your account number on it. After using your credit card, be sure to take your copy.
- Sign your credit cards. Sign your credit cards or put ‘see ID’ on the back of your card for further protection.
- Review your credit card statements and account activity. If there are transactions that appear odd, or you don't recall the transaction, contact the issuing company immediately. Often, a call to the credit card company or financial institution will clear up any unknown items.
- Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) secure. Never give your PIN over the phone for any reason and dispose of ATM receipts properly.
- Beware of phishing scams. Phishing refers to a scam where unsuspecting users receive emails, texts, or calls from seemingly reputable institutions asking for personally identifiable materials. Often phishing items pose as your bank or the IRS and include logos of those institutions in order to fool you into sharing credit card and social security numbers.
- Guard your Social Security number. Never have it printed on your checks and avoid carrying your Social Security card.
- Review your credit report annually. The three major credit agencies will provide a copy of your report for a free once a year. There are also credit report monitoring sites such as Credit Karma that could be a good resource. An annual review will allow you to catch any unauthorized accounts and resolve them in a timely manner.
- Maintain strong passwords for your online activity. Using at least 10 characters, mix letters, numbers, and special characters. Try to be unpredictable - don't use your name, birth date, or common words. Don't share your password over the phone, in texts or by email and store them in a secure place.
Identity theft is a serious crime that has become all too common.
Campus Federal will never contact you via text message, email, or phone to ask for account numbers or passwords. Our fraud detection system will use other forms of identity verification. If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, contact a Campus Federal representative.
Campus Federal has partnered with Merchants Information Solutions, Inc. to offer you identity theft monitoring, resources, and recovery services with Fraud Defender.