The security of your accounts and information is extremely important to us. Please be aware of fraudulent calls, emails, and other forms of communication claiming to come from Empire ONE FCU. If you receive communication that you are unsure of, please contact us at 716-854-2458.
What is Phishing?
Our society is more dependent on technology than ever before. Scams have evolved to become more technologically complex, with many seeming to come from authentic sources. Phishing is a form of online fraud in which the attacker will pretend to be a trustworthy source: such as your employer or financial institution. They use deceptive emails and other messaging, often containing clickable links, to attempt to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and financial information.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft involves the unauthorized use of personal data such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, credit card numbers, or other identifying information to gain economic or personal advantage. (justice.gov) Learn more by visiting Justice.gov
Tips to protect against Identity Theft, Scams, and Phishing
- Guard your Social Security Number
- Never click on a link in an email or other messages from an unknown or suspicious sender
- Beware of mail or telephone solicitations that offer prizes or awards
- Always shred papers with financial information, including credit card offers before discarding them
- Stay current about the latest identity theft scams
- Be aware of scams related to online relationships or “romance scams”. Never send money to someone you have met on the internet or deposit checks from people you have met on the internet, including job offers
Two Way Text Alerts
Empire ONE FCU participates in fraud monitoring to help protect our members by watching out for unusual or suspicious transactions. If an unusual or suspicious transaction appears on your card, you will receive a text message detailing the transaction. You will be asked to respond by confirming or denying the transaction.
How Do I Know if I am a Victim of Identity Theft?
Regularly monitoring your accounts and statements is the best way to protect yourself and notice possible issues.
You can order a free annual credit report once every 12 months from each of the major nationwide consumer reporting agencies. To order your free Annual Report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com
You can also call toll-free 877-322-8228 or complete the annual credit report request form and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
What Should I do if I am a Victim of Identity theft?
- Notify your creditors
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 303740241
- Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
- Call the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY at 1-866-653-4261\
- File a police report with specific details regarding the identity theft, including a copy of the FTC complaint form.
- Dispute any unauthorized charges or activity. Close all accounts with unauthorized activity as well as all accounts that were opened fraudulently.
Protecting Against Scams Through Phone or Mail
- Always be skeptical of calls coming from unknown sources.
- Do not disclose any personal information unless the source of the call has been verified as legitimate.
- Place outgoing mail in a secure post office box rather than your home mailbox
- Shred all mail containing your personal information before discarding