eDCU Blog

Identity theft is a federal crime and is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Identity thieves continue to use, time-tested methods to steal your identity. Avoid these everyday dangers to protect your personal information.

Mail Theft

• Use a locking, security mailbox if possible, or consider renting a P.O. box at your local post office.
• Put outgoing mail into a postal mailbox.

Dumpster Diving (Trash Theft)

• Shred unwanted documents containing personal information and all unsolicited credit card or loan offers.
• Invest in a high-quality cross-cut shredder. Thieves can piece together papers shredded into horizontal strips.

Shoulder Surfing

“Shoulder surfers” observe your actions or eavesdrop to steal personal information. They look over your shoulder or stand close by and may use a camera phone to record you.

• Shield keypads with your hand or body before entering PINs, passwords, or card numbers.
• Avoid sharing personal information over the phone in public. If you must, use a low voice and shield your mouth.

Purse or Wallet Snatching

• Minimize what you carry in your wallet, especially payment cards.
• Never carry your Social Security card unless absolutely necessary.
• Don’t carry PINs or account passwords with you; memorize them or keep them safely locked at home.

Let’s be honest — the threat of fraud nowadays is kind of scary. But we have great news: you can get all the protection you need for your personal and financial data with Kasasa Protect™. It’s a one-stop-shop for keeping your information safe, complete with 24/7 credit monitoring, identity restoration services, and much more. Activate Kasasa Protect today for more peace of mind. Visit our website to request information on Kasasa Protect or give us a call at 360-943-7676/800-327-4286 to get started!

December is National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. Pick up your copy of Identity Theft: Protect Yourself, Know What To Do at one of our financial centers and enter to win a FREE one year identity monitoring Kasasa Protect™ subscription. 

Reference: Identity Theft: Protect Yourself, Know What To Do