Destroy Your Hard Drive
It’s not uncommon for people to get rid of old computers or replace their hard drives when needs and technologies change. What many people don’t realize is that getting rid of an old computer or hard drive can actually lead to identity theft. If you have a computer, chances are you’re going to replace it at some point in the future. If you want to protect yourself from identity theft, there are a few things you should know.  The most important is that deleted doesn’t mean erased.  A simple recovery data software program can get back all the information you deleted, including personal identification numbers (PINs) and credit card information.

Even if you recycle your computer at a reputable electronics chain, they in turn release them in bulk to wholesalers who dismantle and re-use any salvageable parts.  This is fine until somewhere in the process, disreputable parties access your hard drive and use it to gain personal information from your hard drive.

The only way to really make sure -- remove the hard drive and destroy it with repeated hammer blows.

Your PIN is their "in"
Canadians are the biggest debit card users in the world on a per capita basis. In fact, in the year 2000, direct payment surpassed cash as Canadians' preferred way to pay for purchases. And while debit cards continue to be safer and more convenient than carrying around cash, their popularity has made them a target for a number of frauds and scams.

Here's what Industry Canada's Consumer Protection website recommends you should do to keep your debit card safe and sound.

• Never disclose your PIN to anyone including family, friends, financial institution employees, or law enforcement agencies. If you suspect that someone knows your PIN, change it immediately or contact your financial institution to cancel the card.
• Avoid writing down your PIN. If you must do so, make sure that it is well disguised, for example, by re-arranging the numerals or substituting other numerals or symbols.
• When selecting a PIN, do not use obvious information. You could be liable if you use your name, address, telephone number, date of birth or social insurance number.

Don't get side-swiped.

• Never let your debit card out of your sight; swipe the card yourself. If you can’t, watch to make sure it's not being double swiped.
• Watch out for "shoulder surfers" - people who read your PIN as you enter it. Use your hand or body to shield the PIN pad to prevent others from seeing you enter your PIN. If anyone tries to distract you at a banking machine, complete what you are doing and retrieve your card before talking to them.
• Only conduct debit transactions when and where you feel secure. Deal with businesses and people you are familiar with as much as possible.
• After completing a transaction remember to take your card and the transaction record.

Check please!

• Regularly check your statements or passbook updates and look for any discrepancies or suspicious transactions.
• You may want to ask your financial institution to reduce your daily cash withdrawal and daily purchase limits.
• Set up telephone and/or Internet banking so you can check your account balances regularly.
• Get a Credit Bureau report annually to see if anyone else is using your name to get credit.

Guard Against the Latest Trends in Theft and Fraud
Identity Theft is a serious crime. It can cost you time and money and destroy your credit and ruin your good name. 

Identity Theft is the broad term used to describe the fraudulent method of stealing personal information (such as birthdates, names, credit card numbers, PINs and bank account information) in order to impersonate you and use your financial resources.

Your Credit Union wants you to be aware of how identity theft can happen so you can keep your information safe!  The methods used are quite varied, but ALL are sneaky.

• Dumpster Diving - Rummaging through the garbage to steal bank statements, phone bills and other paper with your personal information on it.
• Phishing - Sending you a fake email or phoning you to request confirmation of your banking or credit card information. 
• Skimming - Stealing credit card or debit card information and your PIN by swiping your card through an electronic data storage device or viewing your PIN entry with hidden cameras. 
• Diversion - Changing your address without your knowledge and having bills and paperwork sent to them.
• Stealing - Stealing your purse or wallet and using all the information contained there.

PROTECT YOURSELF

• Shred personal mail of all sorts.
• Guard your Cards. Watch everything and every person who touches them. Shield your hand when entering your PIN.
• Never give out personal information on the phone, in an email or on unsecured Internet websites.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails. ALWAYS type in a web address you know. Phishing emails look good and can be hard to spot.
• Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your computer. Keep the software up-to-date. 
• Don’t use an obvious password like your birthdate or your mother’s maiden name.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, in-home employees or have hired contractors.
• Monitor your financial accounts and billing statements.  You will immediately notice if bills do not arrive on time or if you receive unexpected account statements.

Your Credit Union will never request personal information in an email or by telephone. We already have it!  If you are the target (or already a victim) of an identity theft attempt, please call your branch and the police. There are immediate steps to take that can help protect you!

TAX SCAM ALERT
Investing in schemes that promise you tax-free withdrawals from RRSPs and RRIFs could result in the loss of your retirement savings.

The Canada Revenue Agency recently published an article on their website warning investors to beware of scams that promise tax-free withdrawals from your RRSPs and RRIFs. To learn more, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca. And remember, at the Police Credit Union we’re here to help you sort through these issues. If you have further questions or concerns, call us.

Important Fraud Alert
Credit Union Central of Canada warns that an organization calling itself "Central Credit Union Capital Financial" or variations of that name, said to be operating out of 800 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, has no connection with Canadian Central. Emails from the bogus group appear to be an organized international scam set up to defraud innocent victims of cash and confidential personal information. If you receive an email from this organization or are contacted by someone from this organization advising you that there are funds deposited for you and that you must establish your identity to have the funds released, do not respond.

Members should not give out any personal information, such as passport information, driver's licence or banking information. Report such contacts to your local police. If you have already provided personal information, please report this to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Ontario Provincial Police via their website at www.recol.ca/ or call 1-888-495-8501