Security Center:

If you suspect fraud or you lost your card, please call immediately:

   (650) 367-8940 - Polam FCU California
   (860) 223-0200 - Polam FCU Connecticut
  
   (800) 554-8969 - VISA Debit & ATM Card
  
   (800) 808-7330 - VISA Credit Card
   (800) 991-4964 - VISA Credit Card After Hours Number
Polam FCU is committed to doing everything possible to stop theft and fraud, but we can't do it without you.  Stopping Identity theft and fraud begins with you. 

Simply relying on fraud protection programs at your bank or credit union is not enough and ultimately increases the cost of banking services back onto you.  No financial institution will cover the cost of losses out of their own pocket, eventually they will pass that expense back to you in the way of higher rates on credit cards, account fees and other charges.
Here are some simple things you can do to stop identity theft and account fraud:

- Never give anyone your personal information unless you know exactly who they are.  Remember, Polam FCU will never ask you for your Account Information, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN), or any other information that could be used to steal your identity.  We already have this information when you opened your account with us.

- Never respond to any email or phone calls asking you to validate or re-enter your personal information to access your accounts.

- Never keep your PIN (personal identification number) with your Debit, Credit or ATM card.  Never write your PIN on your card; doing so will allow anyone who has your card complete access to your account.

- Never let anyone borrow your Credit, Debit or ATM card or use your number to help them make a purchase.

- Never provide account information on Contest Entry Forms or or give any information to Claim your Prize.

- There are no Nigerian Diplomats or Businessmen that need your help in getting millions of dollars released from the government.  Think for a moment; of the 6-billion people on this planet, why would they contact you? More on these kinds of scams

- If any deal sounds too good to be true...it is.  Don't become a victim.

- No real lottery, contest, grant or program will ask you to pay a processing fee.

- Never put your outgoing bills in your mailbox for the postal carrier to collect.  Anyone can take your mail out of the box and now they have your account numbers and signature to duplicate your checks or start identity theft. 

- Use Polam's Bill Payer service to pay all your bills.  It's Free, Fast and Safe.  The payments go directly to the company or person intended.

- Make sure you have the latest Virus Protection Software on your computer and a Firewall.

- Make a photo-copy of all your cards (front and back) and keep them in a safe place.  If they get lost, you know all the account and phone numbers to call to block them.

- If you suspect fraud or don't recognize a transaction on your statement, call immediately.

- Buy a document shredder.  Never throw out a statement, bill or offer for a credit card without shredding it.

- Be aware of your surroundings and other people when you use an ATM.  If you don't feel safe, leave the area.

These are just a few tips.  Below are links to other websites for more information on protecting yourself from fraud and theft.

Electronic Banking - FDIC

Safe Internet Banking - FDIC

Fighting Financial Fraud - FDIC

Nigerian Scam - FTC

Fight Back Against Identity Theft - FTC

Free Credit Reports - FTC

Computer and Internet Fraud - FTC

Consumer Guides and Protection - US Government

2009 Identity Theft Statistics:

Identity theft is defined as the process of using someone else’s personal information for your own personal gain. The Javelin Strategy & Research Center has been studying identity theft closely since 2004. Each year, they release their findings. Their 2009 study reveals that:

• Identity theft is on the rise, affecting almost 10 million victims in 2008 (a 22% increase from 2007)

• Victims are spending less money out of pocket to correct the damage from ID theft. The mean cost per victim is $500, and most victims pay nothing due to zero-liability fraud protection programs offered by their financial institutions.

• 71% of fraud happens within a week of stealing a victim’s personal data.

• Low-tech methods for stealing personal information are still the most popular for identity thieves. Stolen wallets and physical documents accounted for 43% of all identity theft, while online methods accounted for only 11%.

Types of Identity Theft:
ID theft can happen to anyone, and it can come in all shapes and sizes. For example, your credit card digits could be stolen and used to make online purchases; a thief could impersonate you to open up a loan in your name; a felon could commit a crime and pretend to be you when caught; or someone could use your personal information to apply for a job.

Here’s a brief overview and description of each type of identity theft, based on Federal Trade Commission complaint data



• Credit Card fraud (26%): Credit card fraud can occur when someone acquires your credit card number and uses it to make a purchase.

• Utilities fraud (18%): Utilities are opened using the name of a child or someone who does not live at the residence. Parents desperate for water, gas, and electricity will use their child’s clean credit report to be approved for utilities.

• Bank fraud (17%): There are many forms of bank fraud, including check theft, changing the amount on a check, and ATM pass code theft.

• Employment fraud (12%): Employment fraud occurs when someone without a valid Social Security number borrows someone else’s to obtain a job.

• Loan fraud (5%): Loan fraud occurs when someone applies for a loan in your name. This can occur even if the Social Security number does not match the name exactly.

• Government fraud (9%): This type of fraud includes tax, Social Security, and driver license fraud.

• Other (13%)