Helping Protect You

Our digital lives make things easier, but sometimes they can put us at risk for identity theft. Identity thieves can commit fraud using our names, Social Security numbers, credit card information, and other personal financial data. Marine CU is here to help you protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.

Education

Education

We offer members free financial education courses through GreenPath, a financial wellness nonprofit.

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Awareness

When threats occur, we notify members via our official social media channels and with colored banners at the top of our corporate website.

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Security

Consumer accounts at Marine Credit Union are federally insured up to $250,000 through the National Credit Union Association.


Security and identity theft trends

You can report fraud, scams, or suspicious activities at ReportFraud.ftc.gov


The best protection is prevention

When it comes to ensuring your financial security and protecting yourself against identity theft, the best thing you can do is take steps to prevent it from happening.

Protection from Identity Theft

Freeze your credit

You can contact each of the three credit reporting agencies to freeze your credit and prevent anyone from requesting a copy of your credit report.

Collect your mail daily

Thieves can steal your identity by lifting bank or credit card statements, utility bills, or even pre-approved credit card offers from your mailbox.

Review your bank and credit card statements regularly

Know your statement cycles and review each statement closely for any suspicious activity.

Shred documents containing personal information

Keep necessary documents containing your personal information in a secure place like a safe and shred the rest.

Create secure passwords for your accounts

Use long, complex, and unique passwords and vary your passwords from account to account.

Review your credit reports annually

You can get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies annually.

Learn more about identity theft and how to protect yourself.

Managing your bank account on your computer.

Concerned your identity has been stolen?

Did you receive a fraud alert, get notified of a data breach, or see a suspicious transaction on your account? If you think your personal information has been stolen, act right away!

Contact the FTC

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims.

File a Police Report

You may want to file a police report if you know the person who committed the crime.

Contact Marine CU

Report any suspicious activity, identity theft, or fraud issues that could affect your accounts to your local Marine Credit Union branch office.

Read this blog post to learn more ways to report identity theft.

If you become a victim of identity theft, you have the right to:

  • Create an FTC Identity Theft Report
  • Place a one-year fraud alert on your credit report
  • Place a seven-year extended fraud alert on your credit report
  • Get free copies of your credit report
  • Get fraudulent information removed (or “blocked”) from your credit report
  • Dispute fraudulent or inaccurate information on your credit report
  • Stop creditors and debt collectors from reporting fraudulent accounts
  • Get copies of documents related to the identity theft
  • Stop a debt collector from contacting you

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions: Identity Theft and Security

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is a serious crime. An identity thief takes your personal or financial information and uses it by posing as you or performing financial transactions in your name without your knowledge. For example, an ID thief may charge items to your bank account or open a credit card or other fraudulent account in your name.

What are 4 types of identity theft?

Identity theft can occur in many ways:

Computer crime occurs when your personal information is stolen during your online activities, such as logging into an account or making a purchase on the web.

Personal betrayal occurs when a friend, relative, or stranger steals your information and uses it without your knowledge or consent.

Document loss occurs when you lose your wallet or credit cards or someone steals your information from your mail or trash.

Business leaks occur when your personal information is stolen from a place where you’ve done business. The business might alert you to a data breach.

How does someone steal your identity?

Identity thieves or scammers can steal your identity by getting their hands on your personal financial information online, when you’re conducting business in person, or over the phone.

Thieves may obtain your account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information, then use that information to pose as you or perform financial transactions in your name without your knowledge.

What red flags should I look for in identity theft?

It’s not always easy to spot a stolen identity, but there are many red flags to watch for:

  • Unexplained charges or withdrawals on your bank and credit card statements
  • New credit cards or accounts you didn’t apply for or open
  • Missing mail or email, such as account statements
  • Errors on your credit report
  • Errors on your tax return or Social Security statement
  • Collection notices or calls for unknown debt

How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you think your Social Security information has been stolen, it’s important to act quickly. The best way to check if someone may be using your SSN is to check your credit report. You can do this online through AnnualCreditReport.com or by contacting each of the three reporting agencies.

When you have your credit report, review it for anything out of the ordinary. If you spot something suspicious, someone may be fraudulently using your information.

What should I do if my identity is stolen?

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides checklists, sample letters, and contact information to guide you through the ID theft recovery process.


Marine Credit Union checking and savings

We have your financial security in mind

Marine Credit Union can help you gain control of your financial security. Open an account with Marine Credit Union today.


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