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fraud and identity theft

Debit Card Fraud - February 14, 2020

We understand that receiving notice that your debit or credit card has been "compromised" can be unsettling. Unfortunately, this type of fraud is prevalent throughout the United States.  Like many other financial institutions, Northland recently experienced a higher volume of fraud on our debit card program, particularly with on-line transactions.  
To be clear, Northland’s computer systems are not a part of a card compromise. 
Northland’s members will not lose any money in their accounts or be charged any fees as a result of a debit card compromise.  Northland is working diligently to issue new cards to our members and will continue to enhance security measures and invest in new technology to help prevent fraud in the future.
We urge members to be vigilant in monitoring their account activity through our home banking or mobile app platforms.  Setting up account alerts or using the card controls are quick and easy features to use.  As always, be sure to keep your phone number updated with us in case we need to get a hold of you if we see suspicious activity on your account. 
Northland, or our third party service, may contact you to verify purchases if we suspect unusual activity, but we will NEVER ask you for personal information.  DO NOT give out any card or account information, such as account number, PIN, or CVV code, on a call that you did not initiate.  We may ask you to verify recent debit card transactions to ensure the charges are not fraudulent but we will not ask for personal identifying information.
We are taking every precaution to ensure your card information and accounts at the credit union are handled with the highest level of safety and security.  We know how frustrating and inconvenient having your debit card compromised can be, but please know that the security of your financial information is our top priority.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 989-739-1401 during normal business hours or our fraud line at 888-241-2440.

If you have questions, please call our Contact Center at 989-739-1401

 

What is Identity Theft?

 

Identity theft takes place when someone improperly uses your personal information such as social security number, credit card or bank account number. Identity theft is a crime that can happen to anyone - thieves do not discriminate. It can happen at any time, and go unnoticed for months before a person even realizes that they have become a victim of a crime.

What we are doing to protect your identity?

  • We may request a photo ID before performing any transaction.
  • We recommend that members place a password on their NAFCU account.
  • We verify your identity before giving out any financial information or performing any transactions over the phone.
  • We require a signature from the account holder before an address change can be made.
  • Our Home and Mobile Banking systems offer multiple security features to protect your account.

What can scam artists do with your personal information?

  • Open a bank account in your name and write bad checks with no intention of paying it back.
  • Change your mailing address in hopes of delaying you from noticing charges made to your accounts without your approval.
  • Get cellular services with your information, for their personal use.
  • Call and apply for credit cards using your personal information to get approved.

Ways you can protect yourself:

  • Be vigilant in monitoring your account activity through our home banking or mobile app platforms. 
  • Set up account alerts or card controls through homebanking and mobile banking.
  • Shred anything containing personal information that you do not need to keep.
  • Do not leave your mail in the mail box overnight. When leaving town, contact the Postal Service and have then hold your mail until your arrive home.
  • Lock up important documents.
  • Put passwords on all of your bank accounts, credit cards, phone accounts, and store your passwords in a safe place.
  • Do not carry more identification on your person than necessary. 
  • Make copies of everything in your wallet or purse. That way, if they are stolen or lost, you know what you need to replace and what accounts you need to freeze.
  • Check your credit report for accuracy. Make sure that nothing is added to your report that shouldn't be there. Find out how to get a truly FREE credit report below.
  • Pay attention to your billing cycles, and follow up with the company if a bill hasn't arrived on time.
  • Before revealing your information to anyone, ask them what this information is being used for. Also, ask for your information to be kept confidential.
  • Do not give out any of your personal information on the telephone unless you initiated the call.
  • For more information, see our Protect Myself from Fraud page!

Security Tips For Your Smartphone:

  • Install anti-virus software on your phone and make sure that you keep it updated.
  • Use a pattern lock or PIN code on your phone.
  • Avoid location "check-ins."
  • Do not store passwords on your phone.
  • Encrypt public Wi-Fi transmissions.
  • Enable remote "wiping" of data.
  • Do not access financial accounts from a free public network.
  • When getting a new app, be sure to read all of the permissions before downloading.

How to get a Free Credit Report:

You can order a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus annually by visiting annualcreditreport.com. We recommend that you order one report every four months, using a different bureau each time. If you wish to obtain your credit score, that is also available on the site for a nominal fee. You are not required to purchase your score in order to get your free credit reports.

Please note, if you order your report directly from the credit bureaus, rather than through the site listed above, you will normally be charged a fee. Likewise, be careful with other websites. They typically require you to sign up for paid services in order to get a "free" credit report. annualcreditreport.com will not charge you a fee to get your annual report.

Additional Contact Information:

  • Toll-Free Number: 877-322-8228
  • Mailing Address: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

 

What to do if you are a victim of Identity Theft:

Immediately contact your financial institution and your creditors to protect your accounts. If an account has already been hit with fraudulent charges, close it.

  • Lost or stolen Northland ATM or Debit Cards
    • Call us at 989-739-1401
    • After hours, call 888-241-2510
  • Lost or stolen Northland VISA
    • Call us at 989-739-1401
    • After hours, call 800-991-4961
  • Lost or stolen checks 
    • Call us at 989-739-1401
    • TeleCheck: 800-710-9898
    • Certegy, Inc: 800-437-5120
    • National Check Fraud Service: 843-571-2143
  • Lost or stolen Money Orders
    • Call us at 989-739-1401
    • After hours, call 800-542-3590

Make a report with the fraud division of each major credit bureau:

  • Equifax: Consumer Fraud Division, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374. 800-525-6285
  • TransUnion: Fraud Victim Assistance, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834. 800-680-7289
  • Experian: National Consumer Assistance, P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013. 888-397-3742 
  • Report all identity theft to the local authorities. Ask the police to file a report and give you a copy; you will need this to help you clear your credit report.
  • Report your incident to the Social Security Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
  • Report stolen mail to your local post office.
  • For more information, visit FTC.gov