Identity Theft and Fraud Center
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Recent News & Information |
Useful Links |
Funds Transfer Authorization Policy Information
In an effort to protect our members from identity theft and prevent unauthorized
access to their funds, we have found it necessary to implement a Funds Transfer
Authorization Form that we will keep on file at the credit union.
The Funds Transfer Authorization Form will contain details, procedures, and codes
specific to each member and will be mandatory when placing a transfer over the phone.
If you plan on transferring money, including wire transfers, over the phone then
please stop by one of our locations to fill out the form so we may implement these
procedures for you as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that you can always transfer money through home banking or by calling
our audio system. If you need assistance with the setup of either of those options,
simply call us at 256/245.4776 and we can walk you through this process.
More useful links to stay safe on the internet
updated March 24, 2008
Kid Friendly Search Engines
askkids.com
- kid friendly version of the popular Ask search engine
kidsclick.org
- web search built by librarians
kids.yahoo.com
- plenty of fun, games, and activities for kids
Safe Internet Usage Websites
Surf Swell Island
- Adventures in Internet Safety brought to you by Disney
ncpc.org
- National Crime Prevention Center - contains resources for kids, teens, and parents
about many different kinds of crimes, including cyberbullying and internet safety.
getnetwise.org
- information on Kid's safety, spam, identity theft and much more.
Credit Card Fraud Keeps Growing on the Net
This article was published last May and it discusses a few of the terms used to
describe how Credit Card information is stolen on the Internet.
When and how do I file a complaint?
Filing a complaint can be useful to create an Identity Theft Report to help
in recovering from identity theft. The complaint can also assist law enforcement
in capturing the thieves and preventing them from stealing other people's identity.
There is a lot more information regarding how and when to file a report with the
FTC as well as information on how to Deter, Detect, and Defend against Identity
Theft on the Federal Trade Commission's website.
Click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft website.
A complaint can also be filed through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (I3C)
which is a joint effort by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).
I3C has a great prevention tips page to help you with the numerous kinds of fraud
on the internet.
Click here to view the tips.
Click here to see some frequently asked questions about filing a complaint with I3C and the FBI.
Click here to file a complaint with I3C and the FBI.
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**PHISHING ALERT**
**Heritage South has not sent any emails asking for account information or
emails with links to a website asking for account information.
If you receive any emails or phone calls asking for personal information, DO NOT
RESPOND. Contact the Heritage South Call Center at 256/245.4776 immediately to report
suspicious activity.
Protect Your Account Online:
What is Verified by VISA?
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Rules of Thumb |
Here are some "rules of thumb" that you can use to minimize your risk of being a victim online:
- Change your password frequently and never use dictionary words, birthdates, pet
names, etc. These are items that thieves can gain access to or crack with a utility
with very little work.
- Be sure to use a combination of at least 3 of 4 of the following: uppercase, lowercase,
numbers, and certain symbols.
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- Keep your Antivirus program or Security Suite definitions updated and run an occasional
scan to keep your computer healthy.
- Never click on website links that come to you in an email, even if it is from someone
you know. You may trust your friend, but do you trust every single person that email
has went to since its creation? We would hope not. Website links can be "spoofed"
and created by someone that is trying to gain access to your personal information
or your computer.
- Clear your internet browsing history and temporary internet files often. Viruses
and Trojan horse files can hide in temporary internet and java files making them
difficult to locate. Most browsers have settings that allow you to clear your temporary
internet files automatically when closing the browser.
- Try to use different passwords for different online accounts. If you use the same
password for all of your online accounts, then that is less work the hacker has
to do in order to get all of your information.
- If you notice odd popups or a slowdown in startup time on your computer, you should
have it checked out. First delete all temporary internet files and then run a full
antivirus scan using the security suite of your choice to make sure no virus is
present. Worms and Trojan horses can hide and prevent themselves from being detected
so an all clear may not be fully accurate if your problems persist. Have someone
check it out before doing any online purchasing or logging into online accounts.
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