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Identity Theft Recovery: Why it Matters

Business woman protecting herself from cyber security threats.

Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized person uses your personal identifying information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, credit card or bank account information to assume your identity in order to commit fraud or other criminal acts. This can include using your personal information to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund.

How can your identity be stolen?

Identity is compromised when your personal information is lost or stolen, or falls into the hands of hackers, thieves, or other people who commit crimes using the personal information they’ve found. Identity is also compromised when someone intentionally accesses and uses your personal information without your permission.

One of the most common types of identity theft happens when there’s a data breach at a retailer or business where you’ve used your credit card, and your personal information is accessed.

How to prevent identity theft

There are several ways to protect yourself from identity theft

  • Never share your personal information, particularly your credit union account numbers and passwords.
  • Keep your Social Security card and number in a safe place in your home and do not carry your card with you.
  • Shred bills, bank and credit card statements, medical information, and personal records containing account information, before placing them in the trash.
  • Don’t leave mail sitting in your mailbox, where thieves could access it.
  • Don’t share information with unknown sources
  • Be vigilant when using your ATM debit and credit cards.

Why does identity theft recovery matter?

When identity theft occurs, time is a critical factor in minimizing the impact. The sooner you begin the recovery process, the better. That’s where Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) can help.

With a CU SoCal Rewards Checking Account,1 you’ll receive access to Better Life Benefits2, a suite of valuable protections, savings, and support services designed to help make everyday life easier and provide peace of mind. One of those benefits is ID Theft Recovery Services,3 included with Rewards Checking at no additional cost.

If your identity is stolen or compromised, you’ll have access to a dedicated fraud specialist who can help manage suspected or confirmed identity theft from start to finish. These specialists assist with both financial and non-financial identity theft, helping you navigate the recovery process and work toward restoring your identity.

In addition, Rewards Checking includes up to $25,000 in Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement Coverage3 to help cover eligible out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the recovery process.

Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement Coverage and Fully Managed Identity Theft Resolution Services also extend to eligible family members, helping protect the people who matter most.

Interested in opening a CU SoCal Rewards Checking Account? Learn more about Rewards Checking and apply online, visit your nearest CU SoCal branch, or call us at 866.287.6225.

 

 

Disclosures

  1. All new accounts are verified through ChexSystems® and are subject to approval. Members must be 18 years or older and in good standing to qualify. Visit CUSoCal.org/RewardsChecking for a detailed list of program benefits and qualifications.
  2. Benefits are available to personal checking accounts and their primary accountholder and joint accountholder(s), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Guide to Benefit and/or insurance documents for the applicable Benefits. Some Benefits require authentication, registration, and/or activation. Benefits are not available to a “signer” on the account who is not an accountholder or to businesses, clubs, trusts, organizations, and/or churches and their members, or schools and their employees/students.
  3. Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement and Fully Managed Theft Resolution Services extend to eligible family members. Family includes: Spouse, persons qualifying as domestic partner, and children under 25 years of age and parent(s) of the account owner who are residents of the same household. Insurance Products are not insured by the NCUA or any Federal Government Agency; not a deposit of or guaranteed by the credit union or any credit union affiliate.