How To Avoid
Identity Theft

The incidence of identity theft continues to rise, with more than 700,000 reports received each year. In fact, identity theft is the number one complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Identity theft is when someone steals personal information – such as your Social Security or account numbers – to pose as you, making credit card and other financial transactions in your name.

In the process, your accounts can be wiped out and credit history damaged. To help, the FTC recently unveiled an “identity theft affidavit.” This form simplifies the process of notifying credit card carriers, banks and other financial institutions that you’re a victim of fraud. [read the full story]

What's the difference between
a credit union and a bank?

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that exist only to serve their members. This cooperative structure is why credit unions are tax-exempt. Credit union earnings are used to meet members' needs. A volunteer board of directors is elected by the membership to represent them, and every member has an equal vote. There are no outside stockholders in a credit union— only members. Each credit union has a defined field of membership approved by its government regulatory agency.

Banks are in business to make profits for stockholders— the owners of the bank, who may or may not be bank customers. The more shares a stockholder owns, the more control he or she has. Bank boards of directors are paid for their services. Banks serve the general public.

Read, "Whats the CU Difference," for more information.