• Find out how Telhio protects your information
• Learn more about identity theft
• How to keep your information at home safe

What are we doing to keep your personal information safe?

Telhio has operated as a safe and sound organization since 1934. We take this responsibility to heart and would like to share a few proactive steps your credit union takes on your behalf.  Here are just a few.   

Compromised VISA or Debit Cards
When we are informed that an unauthorized source has accessed your VISA or Debit Card number by VISA USA,  we immediately block the card and begin what may become a several day process to keep your records safe.

While we understand the hardship this places on you by not having access to your account, we feel this conservative, security process is the best way to maintain control on the potential fraud-related activity that may arise. It is important for you to know that your credit union is not the source of this fraud or potential threat against the misuse of your identity.

What should you do if your VISA or Debit Card is blocked?

Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to minimize all inconvenience to you. When this situation occurs, we ask your help in using the special telephone option you hear when calling the credit union for an explanation. This process will allow us to maintain a high level of member service excellence due to the influx of calls received and it will give us the time necessary to assist all members with each and every request or transaction. Remember to destroy your old/compromised card. You will also need to contact any company that was using your old card number for automatic payments and advise then of your new number.

I would like to talk with someone in person.

We welcome this opportunity to meet face-to-face with our members, please stop by and talk to one of the branch managers on your next visit to the credit union.  If you would like to schedule an appointment  … call 614-221-3233.

IDENTITY THEFT....What you need to know

Between July 2002 and July 2003, 7 million people became victims of identity theft.* By signing up for eStatements you are taking the right steps to protect yourself. 

It could affect you or someone you know at any time - the government expects millions of people to be affected in the coming years. Identity Theft occurs when someone steals your personal information - your credit union account or social security number, for example - and poses as you, running up charges, wiping out your account.

It could take months or even years to learn you are a victim. And then, it might be because you were turned down for a mortgage or car loan...based on a credit report that erroneously indicates that you don't pay your bills. It can make it tough to obtain loans, jobs, even affordable insurance rates...and worse, it can take years to clear your record.

Telhio considers Identity Theft a serious threat, and continuously monitors its security procedures to protect you and your account. But total security is possible only with your help. Here are some steps you can take to stop thieves from stealing your good name:

1. Do not give out personal information, such as account or credit card numbers, on the phone or the Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Identity thieves could pose as credit union officials, Internet providers or credit card company representatives. Remember: If someone has a right to this information (such as Telhio) they would already have it...and shouldn't need to request it over the phone!
2. Report lost or stolen checks immediately, and properly store cancelled checks. Examine new checks to be sure none of them were stolen during shipment, and store them in a safe and secure location.
3. Destroy unused financial solicitations before discarding them, and tear up other financial documents such as statements or receipts before discarding them.
4. Guard your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) number, and treat your receipts with care. Leaving them behind or throwing them in the trash could leave them vulnerable to thieves, who could use them to access your accounts.
5. Make sure your mailbox is secure, and promptly remove mail when it has been delivered. Identity thieves often raid mailboxes to obtain credit card offers and financial statements.
6. Contact the major credit reporting companies at least annually to review your file. A copy of your credit report is available for a small fee. The three major credit bureaus are:
        Equifax 800-685-1111 to order a report or 888-766-0008 to report fraud
        Experian 888-397-3742 to order a report and report fraud
        TransUnion 800-888-4213 to order a report or 800-680-7289 to report fraud

If you have been a victim of identity theft, or know someone who has, take these steps immediately:

• Contact Telhio to protect your accounts - 614-221-3233 option 4
• Contact your credit card suppliers
• Contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline - 800-269-0271
• Contact the FTC Identity Theft Hotline - 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)

* from studies done by Gartner Researchy and Harris Interactive, July 2003

Keeping Your Information at Home Safe

This educational information is provided to you free from Telhio Credit Union. Click on the secure link above to learn more about:

• Online Fraud
• Passwords
• Viruses/Worms
• Trojans/Spyware

With more and more information being shared electronically it is important to understand how to use this technology so that you and your information are safe.