Protect
Yourself

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. We can help you protect yourself.

Steps to Take to Avoid Identity Theft:

• Use strong passwords.
• Check your credit report frequently.
• Keep important documents secure.
• Be mindful of sharing too much information on social media.
• Stay alert about common scams and look out for warning signs.
• Don’t give out personal information by phone, text or email.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited requests to verify account information.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for your financial accounts.

Signs You May be a Victim of Identity Theft:

• You are receiving mail for loans or credit cards you did not apply for.
• You have unknown inquiries on your credit report.
• Your bank, credit card or other financial account show unauthorized transactions.
• The IRS has rejected your tax filing as “previously filed.”
• Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit.

Who to Contact If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft:

• Your financial institution, credit card companies, mortgage company, etc.
• Credit Reporting Bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
  Federal Trade Commission 

Protect Your Business, Too

With the increase of data breaches, ransomware and other online threats, securing your company’s information has never been more important.

• Educate yourself and your employees on current scams and threats.
• Secure your IT Infrastructure with a firewall and anti-virus software.
• Back up your data.
• Have a password policy.
• Designate a specific computer for banking transactions.
• Use Dual Control setting for payments.

Report Phishing and Scams

• IRS Email Impersonation Scam—If you receive an email that fraudulently claims to be from the IRS you can forward it to [email protected]
• If you receive a phishing email you can forward it to [email protected]
• Visit OnGuardOnline to report emails you suspect have a malicious code or attachment that you have clicked to download.

Don’t Ignore Those Strange Calls and Emails

Have you ever gotten a phone call or email that felt a little weird? Maybe the caller was a little too familiar, and tried to pump you for information. Or maybe you got an email that looked right, but was worded strangely. Never ignore communications like that, because all too often it’s bad guys testing for weak spots. If you get a suspicious call or email, or you think your account may have been compromised, report it. Immediately.

Call the Grow Member Contact Center Monday through Saturday during regular business hours at 800-839-6328.

The IRS is Here to Help

If you’ve been the victim of tax fraud, you can call the IRS ID Protection Unit directly. Call the IRS at 800.908.4490.

Get the IRS After Them

Received an email that claims to be from the IRS? Something feel strange about it? Forward it directly to the Internal Revenue Service. Email the IRS.

Get These Guys After the Bad Guys

If you’ve received a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group. Email APWG.

Clicked a Suspicious Email? Here’s Help

You can go to OnGuardOnline to report emails you suspect may have included malicious code or an attachment that you downloaded. Visit OnGuardOnline.

How We Protect You

You trust us with your money, and it’s a trust we take seriously. At Grow, we use advanced security systems to safeguard the privacy of your confidential information. The measures we take to protect you against fraud include using Grow Card Alerts and Visa^® Safeguard. We closely monitor Grow Visa card accounts for any indication of fraudulent activity, and under the protection of Visa’s Zero Fraud Liability policy, you won’t be held liable if any unauthorized charges are made with your card.

Should you have any questions, please call the Grow Member Contact Center at 800.839.6328 or visit your nearest Grow Financial store and a Relationship Specialist will be happy to assist you.