Identity Theft

We now offer Identity Fraud Victim Resolution Services (VRS Elite™) as a complimentary service for all share draft checking account holders and at a discounted rate for all other Vermont Federal members. These services do not require enrollment and will help you through the process in the unfortunate event you are a victim of identity theft/fraud. You may also upgrade your level of protection/services for a nominal fee. 

Learn more:

• Download VRS Elite™ Brochure
• Upgrade Options                        

What is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft involves personal information such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, and mother's maiden name being stolen in order to assume an individual's identity. This information allows the thief to commit many types of fraud. Example types of fraud are applying for loans, apartment rentals, and establishing phone and utility services.

Most identity theft victims never know how their information was obtained. It can be inadvertently providing sensitive personal information on the internet, stolen mail, a stolen purse or wallet, and many more ways. A method that is common is phishing. Phishing is an attempt to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Another common method is pretexting. The identity thief poses as a legitimate representative of an entity such as a financial institution, employer, service provider and even government agency. They contact you to "verify" data. No trustworthy entity will initiate contact to verify sensitive personal information.

Steps to Prevent Fraud

• Memorize your Social Security Number and all of your passwords and PIN (personal identification numbers). Do not write them on any card or on anything in your wallet or purse
• Never give personal information over the telephone unless you initiated the call - and be particularly wary of giving out your social security number
• Never provide personal information on the internet in response to an electronic communication
• Shred pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills, expired credit cards, account statements and all confidential documents before recycling
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox
• Sign all new credit cards upon receipt
• Match all credit card receipts against your monthly credit card bills
• Report all lost or stolen cards immediately
• Review your credit report from the three major credit bureaus once a year
  • Be sure you are aware of all accounts listed
  • Look for copies of your credit report sent to unknown sources
  • Be sure there are no inquiries you didn't apply for
  • Check for addresses where you have never lived
  • Typos in your Social Security Number
     

What To Do If You're a Victim

• Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file
• Close the accounts that have been affected
• File a police report (Send copies to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime)
• File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and Post Office
• Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at: 858-693-7935
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission at: 800-IDTHEFT
• Contact the Fraud Units of Credit Reporting Bureaus at:
  • EQUIFAX: 800-525-6285
  • EXPERIAN: 888-397-3742
  • TRANS UNION: 800-680-7289