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Currently on our Consumer Information page:
We have received information about fraudulent e-mails that are being
sent that appear to be from the Teachers Federal Credit Union. Although
the e-mail may contain wording that makes it appear to be from the
Jamestown Area Community FCU (formerly the Jamestown Teachers FCU), it
is NOT from the Jamestown Area Community FCU.
The Subject of the e-mail is similar to "Teachers Federal Credit Union - Visa Card Fraud Control Alert"
The beginning of the e-mail is similar to the following:
Dear TFCU member,
TFCU has been notified by Visa that some members' Visa Card or Check
(Debit) card information may have been compromised as a result of a
security breach that recently occurred involving unauthorized access
into a third party processor's data system.
This breach is not associated with TFCU's computer systems.
TFCU requires the customer to provide up-to-date and accurate
information, including but not limited to your real name, valid U.S.
mailing address and residential address (if different), a Tax
Identification Number or a Social Security Number, date of birth, and
telephone number.
JACFCU will never send an e-mail to you asking you for your account
information or other personal information or asking you to go to a web
site and enter your account information or other personal information.
Any e-mail you receive asking you for this kind of information is
almost certainly an attempt by someone to illegally obtain your JACFCU
Credit Union account information. Do NOT click on any link in any such
e-mail you receive. If you have any questions, contact the JACFCU Main
Office.
Your name, address, telephone number, and buying habits are a commodity
that is regularly sold and traded on the open market. Organizations you deal with
these days virtually all sell your telephone number, unless you specifically ask
them to stop. Here are some general techniques:
1) Whenever you donate money, order a product or service, or fill
out a warranty card, write in large letters; "Please do not sell my name, address
or telephone number". Most organizations will properly mark your telephone
number in their computer.
2) Product warranty cards are often used to collect information on your habits and
income, for the sole purpose of targeting telemarketers' calls. They are not required
in most situations, so avoid sending them.
3) On the telephone, say, "Please mark my account so that my telephone number
is not traded or sold to other companies".
4) Your credit card company probably sells your telephone number the most often.
Call them and ask them to stop.
5) "Contests" where you fill in a little entry blank are usually fishing
expeditions for names, addresses, and phone numbers. Avoid these if you do not want
telephone calls or mail.
Specific types of unwanted telephone marketing calls can be stopped.
Federal law prohibits any telemarketers from "initiating an outbound telephone
call to a person when that person previously has stated that he or she does not
wish to receive an outbound telephone call made by, or on behalf of, the seller
whose goods or services are being offered." You may simply interrupt the telemarketer
and say, "Please permanently remove me from your calling list."
If the same people call back, they are violating the law. Ask them
for their supervisor's name, company name, and phone number. You may then report
that company to the:
National Fraud Information Center at
1-800-876-7060 or at
fraudinfo@psinet.com.
If you wish to quote Federal law to the telemarketer, you may obtain
a copy online at The Federal Trade Commission
website.
To avoid general telemarketing calls: Send a post card with your complete
telephone number (with area code), name and address, stating you want to be permanently
removed from all calling lists, to:
DMA Telephone Preference Service
PO Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
The above information is from the DFT Communications "Connections"
newsletter, June 2000 Volume 2 No 6, and is used by permission.
Back to the Top
Armed with little more than the name, address, birth date, and Social Security number
of a completely unknowing person, thieves are illegally obtaining credit cards and
access to checking accounts. Others use their newfound identities to apply for employment,
an auto loan, or a driver's license or even to commit a serious crime. Worse, that
unknowing person might be you.
People staffing fraud hotlines are taking record numbers of calls. Consumer advocacy
groups, such as the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse in San Diego, are receiving an
increasing number of requests for help from victims of a crime that most law enforcement
officials call "identity theft."
For victims, the nightmare might begin when someone steals a wallet or check. Or
when someone pilfers financial or other records with identifying information from
a trash can. Or it might occur when the perpetrator legally obtains credit bureau
records while working for a credit grantor (a financial institution, auto dealer,
insurance company).
Some victims become aware of the crime within days. Others are left completely in
the dark for months--even years. The lengthy process victims endure to untangle
the web of fraud is draining both financially and psychologically.
So, what have you got to lose?
* Access to credit. A bad credit rating can virtually prohibit you from getting
a credit card or any type of loan.
* Use of your checking account funds. You're likely to show up as a bad risk on
retailer's check verification systems.
* Employment opportunities. A damaged credit report or driving record could take
you out of the job market.
* Work time. With passage of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of
1998, victims finally have a federal law that gives them the right to file police
reports and recoup damages. But it takes time to be persistent and assertive in
clearing their names. It's up to all consumers to protect their good names and credit
by remaining constantly vigilant.
* Money. Costs can mount when you retain the services of legal counsel.
Identity theft ultimately affects more than just the victim. As David Medine, a
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) official, told a Senate subcommittee: "To the
extent identity theft leads to higher interest rates, fees, and costs for customers
of financial institutions, all consumers are harmed."
Report any suspected identity theft to JACFCU as soon as you realize it has occurred.
Copyright © 1999 Credit Union National Association, Inc. Information subject
to change without notice. All other rights reserved.
Back to the Top
Most recent revision: November 10, 2008
Copyright © 2002 - 2008
Jamestown Area Community Federal Credit Union.
All Rights Reserved.
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