General Safety Tips

While anyone can fall prey to fraud and identity theft, many ways exist to minimize your risk. Northwest Community Credit Union provides these security tips, so you can guard against fraud and identity theft. If you feel you may be a victim of identity theft, review our Identity Theft advisory in this section for more information and a list of resources.

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Identity Theft

What is identity theft? Identity theft happens when your personal information, typically your Social Security number (SSN), is stolen and used to commit fraud or theft. The thief can use this information to rent apartments, buy cell phones, drain your bank account or obtain loans and credit cards. In worst-case scenarios, thieves can even hold a job or commit a crime using your identification. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft affects nearly 400,000 people in the US each year. A person whose identity has been stolen can spend months or years and thousands of dollars to clean up the mess made of their good name or credit record. For more information about Identity Theft, please visit the FTC Website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft

 

Order a copy of your credit report. Make sure it's accurate and includes only the activities you've authorized. Do this at least once a year to catch mistakes and fraud before they wreak havoc on your personal finances. To order your FREE yearly credit report visit www.annualcreditreport.com

Email:
Watch for unofficial email domains, poor grammar, unexpected attachments or fear-based language.

Text Messages:
Scammers often reference deliveries, tolls, or “account issues,” urging you to click a link or respond quickly.

Phone Calls:
If someone calls unexpectedly asking for private information or demanding payment, hang up and verify independently.
 

Mail:
Legitimate mail includes professional branding and accurate sender information. Scammers often use urgency or unfamiliar return addresses to provoke action.
 

Online Shopping:
Stick to trusted retailers, look for secure payment options and be cautious of unrealistic discounts.

QR Codes:
Before you scan, ask whether you trust the source — QR stickers can easily be altered or replaced.

Card Skimmers:
Inspect ATMs, gas pumps, and payment terminals for loose parts or unusual colors. Use Tap to Pay or chip inserts when possible.

Social Media:
Be cautious of unknown friend requests, duplicate profiles, suspicious links, and “Is this you?”

Protecting Your Credit

1. Enroll in free credit monitoring with Savvy Money.

2. Freeze your credit through the bureaus when needed — for adults, children, and elders.

3. Review your credit report monthly.