IDnotify® by Experian®

Identity theft is officially defined as the deliberate assumption of another person's identity. It occurs when a criminal acquires and uses the victim's personal information—such as a Social Security or driver's license number—to take out loans, obtain new credit cards, rent an apartment, purchase a car, run up debt, file for bankruptcy and other criminal activities. Identity theft is a growing concern because it can not only damage someone's creditworthiness, it can also be flagged on routine background checks.

Enrolling in IDnotify® takes only a moment. Log in to Digital Banking and select the IDnotify® by Experian® menu option. You will be asked to supply your date of birth so we can confirm your identity and ensure that we monitor the right data. That's it!

The FICO® Score service shows you your current and past credit scores using the same scoring model that Visions uses to assess your credit on consumer loans with Visions. It displays your top score factors and general educational information about what impacts your score.

IDnotify® is a premium identity theft monitoring and restoration service that combines credit education and credit score and report details for a comprehensive offering. Combined with our FICO® Score service, Visions members have a holistic understanding of their credit, tools to monitor and improve their credit, and the peace of mind with identity theft protection.

The main reason enrollment or access may seem to be malfunctioning is that your browser is not allowing pop-ups. IDnotify® opens in a new browser window and pop-ups must be allowed in your browser.

Experian® maintains a highly secure environment with best-in-class security measures and policies in place to ensure the utmost secure handling of all data.

In addition to enrolling into IDnotify®, monitor both your financial and public record information and look for any of these occurrences:

• Receiving credit cards for which you did not apply
• Being denied credit for no apparent reason
• Receiving calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you did not buy

Although any of these indications could be a result of a simple clerical error, you should not assume that there's been a mistake and do nothing. Always follow up with the business or institution to find out.

IDnotify® members may contact Experian's specialists anytime via the phone number or email address listed in the IDnotify® experience within Digital Banking for additional assistance.

The term “financial fraud” covers common credit card, check and debit card fraud. When a criminal uses your credit cards or debit cards to make a purchase, he or she usually hasn't assumed your identity. Recovering from financial fraud is relatively easy, since most creditors don't hold you liable for fraudulent charges.

Keep important documents safe. Don't carry extra credit cards, Social Security cards, birth certificates or passports, if not needed. Consider opening a Visions Federal Credit Union Safe Deposit Box. Stop by your local branch to inquire about availability.

Think before you share. Be wary of suspicious messages, links, and requests for personal information.

Consider investing in a shredder. Shred your receipts, credit card offers, bank statements, returned checks and any other sensitive information before throwing it away.

Cover your bases. Ensure that your employer, landlord, and anyone else with access to your personal data keeps your records safe.

Read your credit report. Make sure your credit reports are accurate. If you spot an inaccuracy, follow up.

Keep your SSN under wraps. Do not print or write down your SSN on any document that could fall into the hands of identity thieves, like checks.

Don't use weak passwords. Using passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters makes it harder for identity thieves to crack these codes.