Credit Union Harlingen: VFCU Tips For Preventing Fraud and Identity Theft

Thanks to Valley Federal Credit Union Credit Union Harlingen, finding ways to stay safe while using your finances is easy and quick. Prevent fraud and identity theft by following these tips and tricks!

What exactly is identity theft? It’s when someone uses your data to pose as yourself or steal from you. These types of people are known as identity thieves and may drain your bank account without your notice. If not resolved, someone with your identity can:

• Make investment accounts
• Open new credit lines
• Get utility services
• Steal your tax refund
• Use insurance information for medical treatments
• Give policies under your name

Spotting Identity Theft

There are a few ways you can spot identity theft and prevent it if you catch it in time. Here are a few common signs you may be exploited:

• Credit identity theft, evidenced by unusual changes in your credit score.
• Child identity theft, indicated by offers for credit cards or loans using your children’s names.
• Synthetic identity theft, discovered when attempting to freeze your child’s account and finding their social security number in use.
• Taxpayer identity theft, experienced when unable to e-file due to someone else filing under your name.
• Medical identity theft, seen in claims or payments on your insurance that you do not recognize.
• Account takeover, recognized by emails or letters referring to recent actions you do not recognize.

11 Steps to Preventing Identity Theft

Monitor and always check on your account often to identify signs that your account may be compromised. Identifying signs early is a start, therefore, follow these tips on how you can prevent yourself from identity theft:

• Check your credit reports regularly for signs of fraud.
• Shred documents containing sensitive information regularly.
• Use a digital wallet for secure and convenient transactions.
• Use alerts to notify you of transactions and suspicious activities.
• Freeze your credit to restrict access and prevent further financial misuse.
• Use strong passwords and add an authentication step for added security.
• Watch your mailbox by signing up for informed delivery from the post office.
• Protect your mobile devices with passwords and use banking apps for added security.
• Monitor financial and medical statements closely to catch unauthorized transactions early.
• Be alert to phishing and spoofing attempts, blocking or reporting suspicious calls and emails.
• Safeguard your Social Security Number by securely storing it and shredding documents containing it.

VFCU and Your Safety

VFCU Credit Union Harlingen is dedicated to helping you with your finances while also keeping your account safe and sound! With online services like Zelle, fraud services, safe deposit boxes, and VFCU mobile banking services, your banking experience is tailored to your convenience and safety.

Ensuring Cybersecurity with VFCU Mobile App

Safeguard your financial well-being while enjoying the convenience of banking on-the-go with the VFCU Mobile App. Our commitment to cybersecurity means you can trust in the safety of every transaction.

• Receive your free credit score upon sign-up and stay informed about your financial health without compromising security.
• With features like UChoose rewards, online banking, and bill pay, along with the added protection of Apple Pay and Zelle, your sensitive information remains secure at every turn.
• Utilize Mobile Check Deposit for seamless deposits while keeping your data protected.
• Monitor your credit score directly from the app and access personalized insights into improving your credit health—all while ensuring the utmost safety of your financial information.

Securing Your Financial Future with VFCU Credit Union Harlingen

Whether you’re exploring our banking services or seeking guidance on safeguarding your personal information, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Join us in protecting your financial well-being and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with banking with VFCU.