Fraudulent messages can be disguised as legitimate email claiming to be from sources you trust. These messages attempt to entice you to provide various types of personal and confidential information, including account numbers, social security numbers and passwords.

Also known as phishing or spoofing, the practice of email fraud is commonly used by criminals to gain access to your existing accounts or to use your personal and financial information to open new accounts.

ECU will never solicit confidential information from you in an email.

Some tips to help protect you against email or online fraud

• Make sure the security features of your computer are up-to-date.
• Confirm the validity of all requests for sensitive personal information.
• Do not share your social security number, account numbers or passwords with anyone.
• Choose passwords that are difficult for others to guess. Use both letters and numbers and a combination of upper and lower case letters. Change your passwords frequently.
• Always sign off Web sites or secure areas of Web sites.
• Be selective about when you will provide your e-mail address to a questionable Web site. Sharing your email address makes you more likely to receive fraudulent emails.
• Review your monthly account and credit card statements thoroughly. Report any suspicious items immediately to head off possible fraud before it occurs.
• Never click on a link provided in a suspicious email.
• Monitor your credit reports. You may obtain a copy from Experian, Trans Union, or Equifax.

Identity Theft

Identity theft involves stealing a person’s identity and applying for credit or bank accounts in the victim’s name. The victim is left to deal with the collectors and merchants who demand payment on bills the criminal has left behind.

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:

• Carry only those pieces of identification you absolutely need.
• Photocopy the contents of your wallet and store them in a very safe place.
• Shred financial documents before throwing them away.
• Do not give personal or account information to anyone on the phone.
• Store canceled checks and new checks in a safe place.
• Never print your Social Security number on your checks or use the number as your driver’s license number.
• Review monthly accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
• Report lost or stolen checks or credit cards immediately.

What should I do if I become a victim of identity theft?

If you suspect you might be a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a variety of useful information and resources related to identity theft.  The FTC recommends
you contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Trans Union, or Equifax) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

Review the reports carefully and contact any listing that shows changes or inquiries that you did not make. You may request the Credit Bureaus notify you prior to opening any new accounts or changing existing accounts.

Report your lost or stolen ECU ATM card, Check Card or VISA Credit Card immediately.

• Call 423-229-8200 or 1-800-999-2328 during normal business hours
• Call 1-800-453-4270 after normal business hours

Mail Theft
If you suspect mail theft you should report the theft to the nearest postal inspector. The Postal Service Web site is located at http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/

Internet Fraud
If you suspect you are a victim of Internet fraud, you may contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) whose mission is to address fraud committed over the Internet. For victims of Internet fraud, IFCC provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation.