Fraud Prevention Information
from North Shore Federal Credit Union

Identity Theft Kits available from the Attorney General's Office 
by calling 1-800-657-3787.

Stop non-solicited credit card offers by calling 1-888-567-8688. 

Account fraud and identity theft crimes are on the rise at an alarming rate.  Consumers must take the initiative to protect themselves.  Using wise judgment when handling your personal or account information is the first line of defense for consumers.

Examples of wise judgment include:

• When using your credit or debit cards on internet or phone based transactions - KNOW THE COMPANY.  Be familiar with the companies you are working with and keep a record of their account billing and/or customer service contact information should you have a question on a future billing.  Make sure that their website is secure and that your card information is being encrypted.  Avoid using your credit/debit card number for products or services from unknown companies that will bill your account monthly or quarterly.  Frequently, disreputable companies will engage you in this sort of transaction and quite often it is difficult or even impossible for the preauthorized billing to be stopped. 
• Never release your PIN information under any circumstances.  Legitimate merchants or individuals will never request this type of information for any purpose. 
• Remember that legitimate businesses will NEVER phone you to verify or update your personal and account information.  Even if the person on the phone sounds friendly and helpful and is "representing" a company that you currently do business with. This is the most common way for criminals to get the personal information on you that they need to begin fraudulent activity on your accounts.  By asking for their name and stating that you will call them back at the number you have for their company, you will find that these callers will end the call very quickly.  For unfamiliar companies, simply state that you do not release this information.    
• Make sure that you have a Privacy or Security Code set up on your North Shore Federal Credit Union account.  This code enables us to identify you should you ever call for account information or visit a branch without proper identification.  Stop by any of our branches to ensure that you have a privacy code set up. 
• Keep close watch over your accounts.  Report any suspicious or unauthorized activity immediately.  Time is of the essence when dealing with acts of fraud.  Use of our automated products Internet Teller and Phone Access can help you monitor your account in between statements.  Contact us if you are interested in signing up for or learning more about these free products.
• Read all your mail, even if it looks like junk.  If a thief opens a credit or banking account in your name, a statement may come to you.  Letters from collection agencies soliciting payment for purchases you didn't make are a sure sign you've been scammed.  
• Stop the credit card offers.  The average household receives 60 credit card offers in the mail each year.  Thieves can steal these, fill out the forms, and open a new account in your name.  Call 1-888-567-8688 to stop these offers. 
• When banking online, always go directly to your credit union's website.  Never use a link in an email.  It could be part of a "phishing" scheme in which scammers try to trick you into divulging financial information over a false website. 

Keeping these ideas in mind when dealing with your personal and account information can save you from being a victim of fraud.  For more information on identity theft and ways to protect yourself even more, click here.

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