MCU: StartPoint (sm) - Keeping It Safe

Keeping it Safe

You share everything with your best buds, but there are some things you’ve got to keep to yourself: your personal and financial information:

Account Numbers
Social Security Number
Credit and Debit Cards numbers, and PINs
Log in PINs

Since the accounts are in your name, you are the one who will be responsible to pay up. Even if your friend promises to charge nothing but a burger, and ends up buying an iPod full of iTunes, you’ll have to pay the bill if they don’t hand over the cash. Credit card companies don’t care who made the purchase, and won’t listen to sob stories. You just have to pay the bill.

You’re the Number One Target

You’re young, don’t have a lot of credit, and only work part-time. Who’d want to steal your identity? Just about any thief. Over 10 million people were victims of identity theft last year and young people with no credit records were the number one target.

The fact that you are young with a clean credit slate that is not being monitored may be exactly why your identity is so appealing.

Thieves can rack up charges for years, and when it comes time for you to apply for a car or student loan, BAM! You discover someone’s been using your social security number to get credit cards. It will take you a long time and a lot of money to repair your credit record.

Don’t let this happen to you. Take steps to stay vigilant and protect your good name:

Treat your checkbook, credit card, and debit card like cash. Never leave them in your locker, car, or the pocket of your jacket.	Memorize PINs and keep them private.	Never email, text, or blog personal financial information. Including account or social security numbers
Watch for “phising” scams. These are emails that look like they are from your bank, asking you to update personal information. These emails are fakes from unscrupulous people trying to get your personal information. This goes for phone calls too.	Choose reputable companies with strong privacy policies when you need to make an online purchase.	Don’t have your social security number printed on your license.
	Look over your account statement as soon as you receive it. Watch for any discrepancies and contact your financial institution immediately if you notice any charges that may not be yours.