ID Theft

St. Paul Federal Credit Union makes keeping your private information secure it's top priority.
If there is ever a breach of any of our vendors we will attempt to contact you as soon as
possible.

Types of Identity Theft:
High tech identity theft still only accounts for a small percentage of all identity theft.  The information typically is stolen using techniques such as "dumpster diving" and the like.  That doesn't mean that just shredding and protecting your private documents you are safe though.

Here are some high tech forms of ID Theft:

• Phishing - Phishing is when a criminal impersonates a reputable source trying to acquire things such as passwords, bank information, and other sensitive personal information.  The most typical form of phishing occurs when an email is sent to you from what seems to be an institution you are familiar.  When you click the link in the email it brings you to a website meant for stealing your private information.  Click here for a fictional example of what one of the e-mails could resemble.
  
  
  • How St. Paul Federal protects you:  St. Paul Federal Credit Union will not contact you through email except for promotional offers and information on new products.  If you receive any emails informing you that you have compromised information please contact us directly and we will look into the origin of the communication.
    
• Pharming - This is a form of phishing when a dummy website is set-up that is nearly identical to another website.  When you access the dummy website and enter your account information the criminal records your information for their personal uses.  These sites are typically active for only a very short time to prevent the real site from detecting it.
  
  
  • How St. Paul Federal protects you:  When accessing your account through our Internet Banking service you are required to go through an extensive multi-factor authentication process.  The security image that you chose when setting up your account is stored internally and will not appear if the site has been falsified.  If you attempt to access Internet Banking and it appears differently then it would normally in any way, contact the credit union immediately.  We will post any changes to our Internet Banking on the homepage of the website prior to implementation.
    

• SMiShing - This is a new form of identity theft that utilizes your cell phones SMS text-messaging feature.  A text message informing you that your account information has been comprised from an odd number is one of the most common forms.  Examples of SMiShing could be; This message is a confirmation to your enrollment in XYZ ringtone service.  The service charge of $2 a day will be billed to your cellular bill.  Please call 1-866-123-1234 to cancel this service.  -or-  Your ATM card has been frozen due to fraud.  If this freeze has come in error please call 1-866-123-1234.¹ The call back number will direct you to the SMiShers call center where they will attempt to steal your private information.

  • How St. Paul Federal protects you:  At this point we do not send any SMS text messages to our members.  Any communication received in the form of text message will not be from the credit union.

• Vishing - This is when a criminal contacts you over the phone.  They will use high tech dialing machines that are capable of doing things such as manipulating the number showing on your caller ID!  Just like the ohter forms of phishing they will typically inform you that you have a compromised account and need to verify your information.

  • How St. Paul Federal protects you:  If we initiate a conversation with you we will have your account information stored.  If you are uncomfortable with any call, end the call and phone the credit union back at one of our direct numbers (651-772-8744 or 1-888-439-4239).

• Spyware/Computer Viruses - Malware can be installed on your computer quickly and quietly.  Something as innocent as clicking a pop-up or following a link in an email can silently install a key logger or other virus.  Key loggers and similar programs can record every keystroke you make, which includes all of your usernames and passwords...

The best way to protect yourself from identity theft is to be proactive.  Approach electronic services carefully, never give out your account information to an un-known source, and ensure that your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is up to date.  Create passwords that combine letters in both cases and numbers/symbols.  Be sure to shred all your confidential documents before throwing them away.  Above all, monitor your account for mysterious transactions.  Check your statements monthly for anything that you did not initiate.

Be sure to check your credit report at least once per year.  One place to get all three of your cerdit reports is www.annualcreditreport.com

Here is the contact information for the three bureaus:

Remember, no employee of St. Paul Federal Credit Union will ever contact you asking directly for your account information.  Although we may contact you, your account information is stored within our system.

There is no reason to fear any electronic service with the proper precautions.  These services have allowed us to change the way we do nearly everything, making life more convenient and giving us access to so much from nearly anywhere we are.

1- These "SMS Messages" are for example purposes only and are fictional.