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Terms and Definitions

Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commision created a website that is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. To learn more, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.

Account Fraud

There are many types of account fraud to be aware of. Some examples are: Checking Account Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, ATM Fraud, and Identity Theft (as explained above and in the online resource provided.)

You are the first defense in protecting your accounts. To minimize risk, there are some basic steps you should follow:

• Protect your personal information. Never respond to unsolicited requests for your information, over the phone,
  through regular mail, or online.
• When online, only provide information on a secure web page (look for the lock on the lower cornor of your web
  browser or next to the address bar). 
• Limit the number of credit cards, preferably one, for Internet purchases.
• Avoid sending credit card information via email - it is not secure.
• Report any lost or stolen credit cards, checks, debit cards, or ATM cards immediately to the issuing institution.
• Review your account and credit card statements as soon as you receive them to make sure there are no irregularities.

Always be sure to contact Connex Credit Union  if you learn that you have become a victim of fraud.

Phishing

Be aware of a type of Internet piracy called "phishing". It is pronounced "fishing," since that's what the theives are doing:"fishing" for your personal information. They look for your account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information in an attempt to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards.

Vishing

The term vishing is a combination of "voice" and phishing. Vishing exploits the public's trust in landline telephone services, are known to the telephone company, and are associated with a bill-payer. To be protected, consumers are advised to be highly suspicious when receiving messages (telephone, email, or otherwise) directing them to call and provide personal, confidential, and /or account related information. Always contact your financial institution or credit card company directly to verify the validity of the message using contact information you already have in your possession (i.e. do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message.)