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Your Money | HQ | ID Theft & Fraud
Identity Theft and Fraud Avoid Becoming a Victim
What To Do If You Are a Victim
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FRAUD ALERT


We are all potential victims of fraud or identity theft. We hear about offers or alerts circulating through the mail or e-mail all the time. These scam artists are multiplying and their scams are becoming more elaborate and harder to identify.

It is important that you are aware of the latest scams and how to protect yourself online and off. Check here for the latest information and browse our pages to learn more about how to protect your personal information and what to do if you are a victim.

Sun East will never ask you for personal account information via e-mail. All requests and/ or changes to your information or problems with your account are conducted in writing and require an original signature.

 

What is Identity Theft?

ID Theft occurs when a criminal steals your account or personal information (your name, birth date, address, driver's license, pass codes, or Social Security number) and uses it to secure loans, credit cards, checks, merchandise, etc. The identity thief uses this information and impersonates the victim in order to take over existing financial accounts, open new bank accounts, apply for loans and credit cards, obtain Social Security benefits, purchase vehicles, rent apartments, as well as illegally obtaining other financial benefits.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 635,000 complaints during the calendar year 2004: 61% represented fraud and 39% were identity theft complaints. Internet-related complaints accounted for 53% of all reported fraud complaints with monetary losses of over $265 million. The two top complaints for Pennsylvania consumers were Internet Auctions and Credit Card Fraud. Average ID theft victims spend 607 hours resolving their case with $1,495 in out-of-pocket expenses.

 

The Warning Signs
  • Fraudulent charges on your credit card statement.
  • Credit card or financial statements don't arrive.
  • Bills arrive for goods or services you didn't request.
  • Suspicious inquiries on your credit report.
  • Phone calls from creditors.
  • Suddenly denied credit.


What is Phishing?
Phishing attacks are 'spoofed' e-mails and fraudulent web sites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account user names and passwords, social security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known financial institutions, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them.


What is Pharming?
Pharming is a relatively new internet-related fraud. Pharming attempts to fool online users through a virus that alters the behavior of internet browsers, thus, redirecting users to a fictitious site when they attempt to log on to their financial institution's web site.


What is Spyware?
Spyware is software installed on a computer without the user's knowledge, often through a virus or when a user downloads a free program. It is designed to let a hacker eavesdrop, collect personal or confidential information and perhaps track and record a user's activities. Some spyware can obtain such information as passwords or credit card numbers. It also often bombards computer users with unwanted ads.




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