SECURITY
The security and privacy of your personal information is a priority for us. Credit One Financial Solutions is committed to safeguarding your financial information, transactions, and your funds, and works continuously to provide a secure environment.
We strive to safeguard your data. We do this by:
- Setting policies and procedures for carefully handling your information;
- Limiting employee access to sensitive information;
- Protecting against unauthorized access to customer data using data encryption, authentication, and virus detection technology;
- Requiring service providers who do business with us to comply with privacy laws;
- Auditing company security practices; and
- Conducting background checks on all employees and providing privacy training.
Identity Theft
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is when someone takes and uses your personal information (such as your name, social security or credit card number) without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. These criminals take the identities of others to open new credit cards; obtain phone or utility accounts, loans, or employment; open bank accounts; and/or pass fraudulent checks. According to the FBI, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.
How does Identity Theft Occur?
Criminals gain access to personal information in many ways, but the most common method is to take it from the victim themselves. They steal mail (such as account statements, new checks and offers of credit) left in a mailbox, discarded in the trash or stored in an easy to get to location in your home or office. They take credit card and personal identification from your purse or wallet. Without knowing it, you may give the information directly to the criminal when you enter data at an unsecured or unknown website, or in response to a fraudulent request for account information through an unverified e-mail ("phishing") posters also ask for information from you in unsolicited phone calls, tricking you into thinking it is someone you know, such as your bank ("pretexting")
Preventing Identity Theft
- Destroy papers you throw out. Shred or completely destroy any documents that contain personal information before discarding them in the trash. This includes information about you, your family, your home, or your accounts such as credit card solicitations, pre-approved credit offers, convenience checks contained in your statements, bills, cancelled checks, loan offerings, ATM or credit card receipts, insurance or tax information. Just as important are receipts from ATM's or self-service devices such as gasoline pumps. Don't just leave them behind or throw them in the trash. Criminals only need a few pieces of information about you to get credit in your name and access your existing accounts.
- Be careful who you give your information to over the telephone. Do not give out personal information such as your social security number, credit card or bank account numbers, or loan numbers over the phone to anyone who has called you without first confirming who you are speaking to, why they need the information and that they are who they claim to be.
- Guard your PINs. Never give out your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorize your PINs and never write them on your cards or carry them in your wallet.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards, checks or identification immediately.
- Store your personal information securely. Keep it where it is not easily available in the event of a burglary or other unauthorized access.
- Be cautious online. Be cautious when providing information at websites or with online merchants, you do not have an existing relationship with. Always confirm that you are in a secure session before entering personal information online
- Check your credit reports. Review your credit report regularly to identify any inquiries or accounts that you are not aware of and did not apply for.
- Protect your mailbox. If your residential mailbox is not secure, don't put outgoing mail in the box and promptly pick up incoming mail or obtain a secure postal mailbox.
What should you do if you become a victim of Identity Theft?
- Contact the three major credit bureaus:
- Ask them to send you a copy of your credit report and instruct them to place a fraud alert on your record. Once you receive the report, review it carefully. Contact any creditors listed that you did not apply for credit with and inform them that you have been a victim of identity theft. Instruct them to close the account, send you copies of the application and any transactions, and to promptly clear your credit record.
- Contact your local police or sheriff's department and file an identity theft complaint.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ or via their hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
Does Credit One Financial Solutions Use Cookies or Other Online Technologies to Collect Information About Me?
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