Southeastern FCU Members: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as your account and/or social security number.  There are numerous fraudulent ways this information can be used – ways that could damage your financial credibility for years to come.

Southeastern FCU considers identity theft a serious threat. We continuously monitor our security procedures to protect your account information with the Credit Union.  But, total security is possible only through you.

Steps to Prevent Identity Theft

1. Never give personal information to anyone over the phone (voice or text) or Internet unless you initiate the contact. Always confirm the validity of requests for any personal information requested of you. Call the company directly with the phone number listed on your account/billing statement.
2. Make sure the security features on your computer, web browser, etc. are up-to-date. If you conduct any business over the Internet, it would be wise to invest in a firewall and good security software.
3. Keep backup records of all your financial transactions and statements.
4. Destroy any unused financial solicitations, statements, or receipts before discarding them.
5. Report any lost or stolen checks and/or credit cards immediately.
6. Never give out your ATM PIN number and treat your receipts with care.
7. Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year.

If you ever become a victim of Identity Theft, take the following action steps immediately:

1. Contact us and any other financial institution you use to protect your accounts.
2. Contact your debit/credit card suppliers.
3. Contact the Social Security Fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271.
4. Contact the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at (877) 438-4338.
5. Go to www.georgia.gov and search “identity theft”.

Beware of Phishing, Vishing and Text Message Scams!

How Does “Phishing” Work?
A fraudulent company or person sends you an e-mail falsely claiming to be from a legitimate company in hopes you will reply directly or click a link that takes you to a "spoof" website.  The spoofed website mimics a legitimate website for the sole purpose of stealing your personal information.  They typically look/ask for:
• Password or PINs
• Social security numbers
• Financial institution account number(s)
• ATM/debit or credit card number(s)
• Credit card validation (CCV) code

How To Recognize Phishing
• Urgent appeals. Frequently, these e-mails claim that your account may be closed if you fail to confirm, verify or authenticate your personal information immediately.
• Request for security information. Fraudulent e-mails often claim that the financial institution has lost important security information that needs to be updated. They may also request that the user visit and update this information online.

Vishing and Text Message Scams
Vishing works the same way as phishing, only the fraudster uses telephone systems.  Vishing occurs when you receive a voice mail saying your account information has been breached (or something similar) and to immediately call a phone number in the message.  The phone number leads to a fraudulent call center where you are asked to give pertinent financial information.  With text message scams, the same concept is used only through texting on your phone.

Always Remember…
Southeastern FCU will never ask for your personal information, passwords, and/or account numbers via phone, e-mail, or text messaging.  If you receive any communication claiming to be from the Credit Union asking you for such information, do not give the information they ask for and report the incident to us immediately.