It is Hiway's policy to never contact members on an unsolicited basis to ask for financial information like your account numbers or login credentials. This is a tactic identity thieves often use when trying to gather your personal information.
As with all crimes, you can't guarantee that you'll never be a victim, but you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information wisely.
- Don't give out financial information over the Internet or on the phone unless you initiated the contact, and know the organization you're dealing with.
- Shred unnecessary financial documents such as unwanted pre-approved credit offers. "Dumpster divers" can use these documents to collect your personal information.
- Promptly retrieve incoming mail if you don't have a P.O. box or a lockable mailbox.
- Put outgoing mail into a secure, official Postal Service collection box.
- Opt out of pre-approved card offers at 888.5.OPTOUT (888.567.8688).
- If you don't receive a paper bill or a statement on time, call the company's customer service number. An identity thief may have filed a false change-of-address notice to divert your mail.
- Don't put your driver's license number or Social Security Number on your checks.
- Don't carry your Social Security Card in your wallet. Keep it in a secure place like a safe deposit box.
- Only carry the credit cards and identification you need at the time in your wallet.
- Review your credit report at least once annually and before any major purchase. Request your free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Identity Theft Resources
- Fraud Prevention Center from the National Credit Union Administration
- ID Theft Resources from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Identity Theft and Identity Fraud from the U.S. Department of Justice
- Internet Crime Complaint Center