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Fraud AlertsAs a service to consumers, the Maine Credit Union League posts alerts and tips on how to prevent becoming a victim of fraud. Check here frequently for different spotlights on how to protect yourself and fraud alerts that are active in Maine.
Fraud Alert Issued (01/24/08):
Several Maine consumers, including some credit union members, in various parts of the State have reported being the target of an automated phone message that says that their financial institution has suspended their account(s) due to a national issue. It then gives two phone numbers for consumers to call (781) 583-7108 or (781) 583-7100, and asks for personal account and identification information. Consumers are urged not to give out this information and to call their financial institution immediately. The number that comes up on Caller ID is (912) 373-7478.
Spotlight On Identity Theft
Stealing someone's identity to buy everything from cars, consumer goods, and mortgages, while leaving the victims credit rating in ruins is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Most victims don't even know how the offender got their personal identity information.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is the unauthorized use of another person's personal identifying information (name, address, date of birth, social security number, mother's maiden name, etc) to commit financial fraud. Upon obtaining such personal identifiers, identity thieves are able to commit financial crimes such as opening phony bank accounts, getting unauthorized credit cards, applying for car or house loans and leasing apartments with a false name. Identity thieves may even develop a criminal record or file bankruptcy in their victim's name. Their goal is to spend as much money as possible before the victim becomes aware of the theft.
How criminals get your personal information
- Ordering your credit report
- Digging through your garbage (dumpster diving)
- Stealing mail from your mailbox
- Stealing your wallet
- Retrieving information from the Internet
Information to guard from identity thieves
- Social Security Number
- Birthdate
- Driver's License Number
- Mother's Maiden Name
- Current and Past Addresses
- Credit Card Numbers
- Personal Identification Numbers and Access Codes
- Passports
- Firearms Identification Cards
- Employee Identification Cards
Prevention Tips
- Don't give out your social security number unless necessary. Never print your social security number on your checks or drivers license.
- Request your credit report at least once a year and check for any unauthorized activity.
- Shred personal documents before putting them in the trash (especially pre-approved offers of credit).
- Don't have checks delivered to an unlocked mailbox.
- Don't place mail that contains personal identifiers in an unlocked mailbox.
- Don't carry unnecessary credit cards, your social security card, birth certificate or passport, in your wallet or purse except when absolutely necessary.
- Never give out your credit card number or other personal information over the phone unless you have a trusted business relationship with the company and you initiated the call.
- Carefully review your credit card statements and phone bills for any unauthorized use.
If you become a victim of identity theft:
- Immediately contact the fraud units of the three credit reporting bureaus listed below. Ask for a credit report so that you can identify fraudulent activity. Also ask the bureau to flag your account with a fraud alert to indicate that you have been a victim of a fraud.
- Make a report with law enforcement departments with jurisdiction in your case.
- Contact all creditors with whom your name has been used fraudulently by telephone and letter. Enclose a copy of your police report.
- If you have checks stolen or account at a financial institution has been fraudulently established in your name, report it to the six check verification companies listed below.
- Stop payment on all outstanding checks and cancel your checking and savings accounts.
- If someone obtains your social security number, call the Social Security Administration.
- If someone obtains a driver's license in your name or is using your driver's license number, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles and ask to put a fraud alert on your license and request a new number.
Resources
Credit Reporting Bureaus
Equifax
Report Fraud: 800-525-6285
Credit Report: 800-685-1111
Experian
Report Fraud: 888-397-3742
Credit Report: 888-397-3724
Trans Union
Report Fraud: 800-680-7289
Credit Report: 800-888-4213
Social Security Administration
Report Fraud: 800-266-2071
To Report Fraudulent Use Of Your Checks
Check Rite
800-766-2748
Chexsystems
800-428-9623
Certegy
800-437-5120
National Processing Company
800-526-5380
Scan
800-262-7777
Telecheck
800-710-9898
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