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Identity Theft and Fraud
Western is committed to protecting our members' accounts and personal information. We take many precautions as an organization; however, the most important way to combat fraud is to educate our members on the various types of fraud and the ways to limit your risk of becoming a victim.
Steps to take to lower your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud:
- Be cautious with your personal information
- Safeguard your mail
- Protect your passwords
- Monitor your credit report
What to do if you are a victim of identity theft or fraud:
Contact the three nationwide credit bureaus listed below and request a copy of your credit report and instruct them to place a fraud alert on your record. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing a fraud alert.
| Equifax Information Service, LLC. PO Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348 800-525-6285 equifax.com |
Experian PO Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 888-397-3742 experian.com |
TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Division PO Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 800-680-7289 transunion.com |
- Placing a fraud alert entitles you to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. Look for inquiries from companies you are not familiar with.
- Closed accounts that have been tampered with or re-opened fraudulently.
- Call your local police or sheriff's department to file a police report and remember to get a copy of the report. A police report may be required by creditors and may also help you get information about fraudulent accounts.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/idtheft or call 877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338). Reporting your complaint can help law enforcement officials across the country with their investigations.
Additional resources:
- AnnualCreditReport.com - Free Credit Reports
- Better Business Bureau
- Call For Action, Inc.
- Federal Trade Commission - Identity Theft
- Federal Trade Commission - Information Security
- National Credit Union Administration
- Visa International
