Tax Identity Theft Awareness

Tip #1: Tax identity theft happens when someone files a fake tax return using your personal information — like your Social Security number — to get a tax refund or a job. One of the best ways to prevent tax identity theft is to file early in the tax season — if you can — to get your refund before identity thieves do.

Tip #2: Have you heard about IRS imposters? Tax scammers posing as the IRS call and say you owe taxes, and threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay with a prepaid debit card or credit card. They might know some information about you, and they can rig caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. But the IRS won’t ask you to pay with prepaid debit cards or wire transfers, and won’t ask for a credit card number over the phone. If the IRS needs to contact you, they will first do it by mail. If you have any doubts, call the IRS directly.

Pioneer FCU has Id Theft Protection available!

Fully-Managed Identity Recovery – How It Works

If you or your family member suspects identity theft, or personal information becomes compromised as a result of a lost purse or wallet, a break-in, lost laptop or notification of a data breach, we can help. Simply contact Pioneer Federal Credit Union (PFCU), and a representative will verify your information, and securely submit your case to a Personal Recovery Advocate, who will contact you directly.
This trained and certified identity restoration professional will place fraud alerts at the three major credit bureaus for you; help you access services to watch for signs of identity theft; and access your credit reports and conduct a threat assessment to determine if any identity theft has occurred.
If you are victimized by identity theft, your Advocate will work on your behalf to restore your identity. Your Advocate will:

1. Place fraud alerts at the three major credit bureaus for you.
2. Provide you with access to credit reports from all three bureaus and review the reports with you to identify fraudulent activity.
3. Assist you in completing an Identity Theft Affidavit and Declaration of Fraud to establish your rights as a victim.
4. Activate credit monitoring during your recovery to help you watch for additional signs of abuse.
5. Contact the Social Security Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Motor Vehicles, etc. as applicable, to address any misuse of official documentation of your identity.
6. Research and document all fraudulent transactions and false accounts or contracts signed with creditors, banks, utility companies, leasing agents, medical facilities, etc.
7. Follow up to make sure all wrongful activity is reversed and removed from your records.
8. Work with local and federal law enforcement to try to stop the criminal or criminals who are using your identity.
9. Activate other members of the recovery team to assist when necessary, including professional investigators and legal advisors.
10. Provide 12 months of follow-up after your recovery is complete – to be sure you stay recovered!

CHANGE TO ACCOUNT FEES: A service charge of $1.99 per month will be charged to your checking account to offset these security measures to fight identity theft and fraud. It will appear on your statement as "ID Theft Protection". If you have any questions about how this fee pertains to you or your account, please contact your nearest branch office.

CHANGE TO ACCOUNT SERVICES: As we undertake these security measures to safeguard your account, there is an additional benefit for you. If you suspect or have confirmed identity theft for ANY reason whatsoever, even if it does not pertain to your account with us, we will provide professional identity theft recovery benefits covering both financial and non-financial fraud. That’s right – any kind of identity theft event you may experience – utilities fraud, medical fraud, fraud on your accounts or credit with other financial institutions – all are covered by these new Pioneer Federal membership benefits. You can even access the services to help you if you lose your wallet or have your personal information compromised in some way. In addition, these benefits are extended to all named accountholders and three generations of your family – including your spouse, children and parents.

To learn more about this growing problem, and to learn how to protect yourself against its devastating effects, visit www.idtheftedu.com.

See below for great Fraud Prevention resources.
• Counterfit Scam
• Lending Scam
• FBI Fraud Alert
• Combat Check Fraud
• Traveling abroad with your debit card?
• 5 tips for protecting your checking account
• Free Credit Report

Pioneer in the Community:

On Wednesday, January 20th, two PFCU employees worked the Buy Idaho Capitol Show. The Buy Idaho Capitol Show allows Buy Idaho businesses an opportunity to celebrate Idaho products and services.
Pioneer FCU sponsored a booth that displayed information on our products and services and gave away fun promotional prizes.

Thank you to everyone who came by our booth and to our members that support our Idaho-based credit union.
      

For more information on Buy Idaho check out their website: http://www.buyidaho.org/

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