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ID Theft Protection

HomeTown's Security Resources

As your trusted partner for financial success, HomeTown Credit Union is looking out for your financial well-being and safety. This page is a resource to learn about current scams and other security risks related to your finances.

How We Protect Your Security

  • HomeTown will never sell or share your information with any unnecessary third party companies or vendors
  • We will never ask you for highly sensitive information such as your Social Security Number, account numbers, etc. via email or any other non-secure virtual means
    • If you receive communication via these channels asking you for this type of information, it's most likely a scam. Contact us directly as soon as possible to report any potential scams.
  • When you are reaching out to us via email or any other non-secure virtual means, please do not share highly sensitive information such as your Social Security Number, account numbers, etc.
  • Traveling? Our Fraud Monitoring Services monitor our member’s debit and credit cards looking for suspicious activity, including out-of-state transactions. Contact us before you travel so we can note your account and help you avoid having blocked transactions.

Cyber Security Tips

  • Avoid unknown links and attachments - Be very careful of websites, ads, and emails promoting free or discounted prices, and make sure to not click on any links or attachments you don’t trust.
  • When making online purchases, be sure the website is using the “https” protocol to confirm your information is secure.
  • Keep all of your anti-virus software, browsers, and plug-ins up to date.
  • Use caution when connecting to wireless networks. Connecting to a compromised network can lead to theft of your credentials and other personal information.
  • Be sure to secure mobile devices with a PIN or password. Devices left un-attended and without a password are easy targets for criminals.

ATM Security

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • If it looks like someone has tampered with the equipment, don’t use it.
  • If a suspicious person offers to help you use the ATM, refuse and leave.
  • Put your money and ATM card away before you leave the ATM.
  • Always avoid showing your cash and always verify that the amount you withdrew or deposited matches the amount printed on your receipt.
  • Shred or destroy your ATM receipts before you throw them away.

Debit, Credit, and ATM Card Security

  • Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
  • Don’t leave your credit cards in your car’s glove compartment. A high percentage of credit card thefts are from car glove compartments.
  • Keep your cards away from things with magnets, which can erase the information stored on the card’s magnetic strip

PIN Security

  • Never write down your personal identification number (PIN), especially on the back of your card — instead memorize it
  • Never tell anyone your PIN
  • HomeTown employees, the police, or a merchant should never ask for your PIN.
  • When selecting a PIN, avoid picking a number that is easy for others to guess such as your name, telephone number, date of birth, or any simple combination of these.
  • When at the ATM or when making a point-of-sale purchase, cover the number pad so no one near you can see your PIN.
  • Change your current PIN from time-to-time to make it more difficult for fraudsters to guess.

ID Theft & Fraud Security

  • HomeTown is here to help our members protect their personal information by providing information on the most recent ID Theft and Fraud issues and security breaches locally and nationally, as well as tips to keeping you safe online and out there in the world. Read and click on the following section about the NCUA Fraud Prevention Center.
  • Are you a victim of identity theft? Refer to this helpful resource: What to do if your ID is stolen.
  • Scammers will often prey on fraud victims even further. Verify phone calls and watch out for phishing emails.
  • Review your credit score weekly for free and with no impact to your credit score by visiting https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.
  • Check out this brief It’s a Money Thing video on Foiling Identity Theft.

MyCreditUnion.Gov Fraud Prevention Center

Additional information on scams and keeping yourself safe can be found at MyCreditUnion.Gov.

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