Archived Sierra Pacific Federal Credit Union News Postings

Our Fraud Department

Posted: December-07-12 Posted by: Leah

Dear Valued Member;

 

We have updated our fraud system!  What does this means to you?  Even better protection by us being able to stop fraud from happening even quicker.  If you find that you are being declined at a store, it is possible it could be from our fraud department.  They analyze your activity over time and if they find something out of the ordinary, you will receive a phone call.  If you receive a message with a call back number of 888-241-2440, it is legitimate.  You are always welcome to call us if you are uncomfortable calling back this number, but we wanted to inform you that these calls are indeed from us.

 

Thank you,

The Staff at Sierra Pacific Federal Credit Union

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2.99% Auto Rate Special

Posted: August-29-12 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific Federal Credit Union is offering a special rate of 2.99% to our members!  To get this great rate, the following must apply:

 

     - Credit score of 700+

     - Must be a current member 

     - New or used auto purchase (existing SPFCU loans not eligible)

     - Model year of 2004 or newer

     - Up to 60 months

 

Call any of our branch locations to get your loan process started!

 

Neil Rd.             775-834-4579

Mill St.                775-857-2424

Arlington Ave.    775-336-4900

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Our Annual Meeting will be Held June 28th

Posted: July-03-12 Posted by: Leah

Dear Valued Member,

 

We have picked the date for our highly anticipated annual meeting.  The event will take place on June 28, 2012 at the Atlantis Hotel and Casino.  The doors will open at 6:00pm with the meeting starting at 6:30pm.  Should you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our offices if you have any questions.

 

Sincerely,

The Staff at Sierra Pacific FCU

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FlexTeller will be Unavailable

Posted: July-03-12 Posted by: Leah

In order to welcome our new Southwest Gas Federal Credit Union Members, we will be going through a system conversion.  This will cause a disruption in online banking.  This interruption will take place from June 29th at 6:00pm to July 1st at approximately 6:00pm.  Please call any of our office if you have any questions or concerns.

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Fee Notice

Posted: June-14-12 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific Federal Credit Union sent out a new fee schedule with our last statements.  On the fee schedule, there is a $5.00 charge listed for paper statements.  The credit union is waiving this fee at this time and we do not have plans to implement it at this time; however, it had to be included in the new disclosure as a new charge that can be applied.  Please feel free to call any of our offices with your questions and concerns.

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Regulation D

Posted: June-14-12 Posted by: Leah

Due to the restrictions caused by Regulation D, members will only be able to perform up to six outgoing transfers or automatic transfers from their savings accounts to another account within the credit union or to a third party within one month period.  Once you have performed six transactions, the savings account will be blocked from any further transactions and will no longer be an option to transfer funds out of until the next month.  We do apologize for any inconvenience this will cause you and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

Neil Rd.  775-834-4579

Mill St.  775-857-2424

Arlington Ave.  775-336-4900

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Text Message Scam

Posted: April-23-12 Posted by: Leah

 

Members have come to us explaining that they have been receiving text messages requesting account information. This is not from us. This is a scam trying to get your account information. Please do not call this number or give out any of your information.

 

Please feel free to call any of our offices should you have any questions or concerns.

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Online Banking Authentication

Posted: April-23-12 Posted by: Leah

We will be increasing the security of our online banking by enhancing our authentication process.  When you log into your account, you will be asked to enhance your security.  Should you have any problems with this process, please feel free to contact any of our offices and we would be happy to assist you.

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Text Message Scam

Posted: March-08-12 Posted by: Leah

Last night, there was a text message that went out from "Frontier Financial" requesting you to call as soon as possible because your card has been blocked due to fraud.  This is not from us.  This is a scam trying to get your account information.  Please do not call this number or give out any of your information. 

 

Please feel free to call any of our offices should you have any questions or concerns.

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SPFCU Repo's

Posted: March-08-12 Posted by: Leah

Take a look at our current Repo's

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President's Day

Posted: February-15-12 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacifc FCU will be closed Monday, February 20th for the President's Day holiday.  We will resume normal business hours Tuesday, February 21st at 8:30am.

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Closed January 16, 2012

Posted: January-17-12 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific FCU will be closed Monday, January 17th, 2012 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

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Holiday Closure

Posted: January-03-12 Posted by: Leah

New Years

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Protecting your Child's Identity at School

Posted: December-27-11 Posted by: Leah

The following article is found on the Federal Trade Commissions website.  By clicking here, you can see the original article.

 

Protecting Your Child's Personal Information at School

Back to school – an annual ritual that includes buying new notebooks, packing lunches, coordinating transportation, and filling out forms: registration forms, health forms, permission slips, and emergency contact forms, to name a few. Many school forms require personal and, sometimes, sensitive information. In the wrong hands, this information can be used to commit fraud in your child's name. For example, a child's Social Security number can be used by identity thieves and other criminals to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, apply for a loan or utility service, or rent a place to live.
 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, cautions that when children are victims of identity theft, the crime may go undetected for years – or at least until they apply for a job, a student loan or a car loan, or want to rent an apartment.
 

Limiting the Risks of Identity Theft
 

There are laws that help safeguard your child's and your family's personal information. For example, the federal Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, protects the privacy of student records. It also gives parents of school-age kids the right to opt-out of sharing contact information with third parties, including other families.
 

If you're a parent with a child who's enrolled in school, the FTC suggests that you:
 

• find out who has access to your child's personal information, and verify that the records are kept in a secure location.
   
• pay attention to materials sent home with your child, through the mail or by email, that ask for personal information. Look for terms like "personally identifiable information," "directory information," and "opt-out." Before you reveal any personal information about your child, find out how it will be used, whether it will be shared, and with whom.
   
• read the notice schools must distribute that explains your rights under the federal Family Educational Rights Privacy Act. FERPA protects the privacy of student education records, and gives you the right to:
  
  • inspect and review your child's education records;
     
  • consent to the disclosure of information in the records; and
     
  • correct errors in the records.
     
• ask your child's school about its directory information policy. Student directory information can include your child's name, address, date of birth, telephone number, email address, and photo. FERPA requires schools to notify parents and guardians about their school directory policy, and give you the right to opt-out of the release of directory information to third parties. It's best to put your request in writing and keep a copy for your files. If you don't opt-out, directory information may be available not only to the people in your child's class and school, but also to the general public.
   
• ask for a copy of your school's policy on surveys. The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) gives you the right to see surveys and instructional materials before they are distributed to students.
   
• consider programs that take place at the school but aren't sponsored by the school. Your child may participate in programs, like sports and music activities, that aren't formally sponsored by the school. These programs may have web sites where children are named and pictured. Read the privacy policies of these organizations, and make sure you understand how your child's information will be used and shared.
   
• take action if your child's school experiences a data breach. If you believe there's been a data breach and your child's information has been compromised, contact the school to learn more. Talk with teachers, staff, or administrators about the incident and their practices. Keep a written record of your conversations. Write a letter to the appropriate administrator, and to the school board, if necessary. The U.S. Department of Education takes complaints about these incidents. Contact the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920, and keep a copy for your records.
   

For More Information
 

To learn more about identity theft and how to deal with its consequences, visit ftc.gov/idtheft. You may have additional rights under state law: contact your local consumer protection agency or your state attorney general for details.
 

For more information about surveys, read Student Surveys: Ask Yourself Some Questions. To learn more about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), visit www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.html.
 

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Thanksgiving

Posted: November-28-11 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific FCU will be closed Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, November 28th.  We will you and yours a happy Thanksgiving.

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Recovering from Identity Theft

Posted: November-22-11 Posted by: Leah

The full article can be found on the FTC website by clicking here:

 

Defend:  Recover from Identity Theft

 

 

Take steps to respond to and recover from identity theft as soon as you suspect it.

What are the steps I should take if I'm a victim of identity theft?
What is a fraud alert?
What is a credit freeze?
What is an identity theft report?
What do I do if the police only take reports about identity theft over the Internet or telephone?
What do I do if the local police won't take a report?
How do I prove that I'm an identity theft victim?
Should I apply for a new Social Security number?

What are the steps I should take if I'm a victim of identity theft?

If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.

Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too. If you do not receive a confirmation from a company, you should contact that company directly to place a fraud alert.

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order one free copy of your credit report from each of the three consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports. Once you get your credit reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed. See Correcting Fraudulent Information in Credit Reports to learn how. When you correct your credit report, use an Identity Theft Report with a cover letter explaining your request, to get the fastest and most complete results. 

Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.

2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.

When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.

If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or has fraudulently opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions:

• For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use the sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to the company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for sending your payments.
• For new unauthorized accounts, you can either file a dispute directly with the company or file a report with the police and provide a copy, called an “Identity Theft Report,” to the company. 
  • If you want to file a dispute directly with the company, and do not want to file a report with the police, ask if the company accepts the FTC’s ID Theft Affidavit (PDF, 56 KB). If it does not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms.
  • However, filing a report with the police and then providing the company with an Identity Theft Report will give you greater protection.  For example, if the company has already reported these unauthorized accounts or debts on your credit report, an Identity Theft Report will require them to stop reporting that fraudulent information. Use the cover letter to explain to the company the rights you have by using the Identity Theft Report.  More information about getting and using an Identity Theft Report can be found here.

Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.

3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

You can file a complaint with the FTC using the online complaint form; or call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.  Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional information or problems.

By sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important information that can help law enforcement officials across the nation track down identity thieves and stop them. The FTC can refer victims' complaints to other government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate companies for violations of laws the agency enforces. 

Additionally, you can provide a printed copy of your online Complaint form to the police to incorporate into their police report.  The printed FTC ID Theft Complaint, in conjunction with the police report, can constitute an Identity Theft Report and entitle you to certain protections.  This Identity Theft Report can be used to (1) permanently block fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report; (2) ensure that debts do not reappear on your credit report; (3) prevent a company from continuing to collect debts that result from identity theft; and (4) place an extended fraud alert on your credit report.

4. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Call your local police department and tell them that you want to file a report about your identity theft.   Ask them if you can file the report in person.   If you cannot, ask if you can file a report over the Internet or telephone.  See below for information about Automated Reports.
If the police are reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incident" report, or try another jurisdiction, like your state police. You also can check with your state Attorney General's office to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for identity theft. Check the Blue Pages of your telephone directory for the phone number or check www.naag.org for a list of state Attorneys General.

When you go to your local police department to file your report, bring a printed copy of your FTC ID Theft Complaint form, your cover letter, and your supporting documentation. The cover letter explains why a police report and an ID Theft Complaint are so important to victims.

Ask the officer to attach or incorporate the ID Theft Complaint into their police report. Tell them that you need a copy of the Identity Theft Report (the police report with your ID Theft Complaint attached or incorporated)to dispute the fraudulent accounts and debts created by the identity thief. (In some jurisdictions the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign your Complaint and write the police report number in the “Law Enforcement Report” section.) 

What is a fraud alert?
There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, and an extended alert.

• An initial fraud alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days. You may ask that an initial fraud alert be placed on your credit report if you suspect you have been, or are about to be, a victim of identity theft. An initial alert is appropriate if your wallet has been stolen or if you've been taken in by a "phishing" scam. With an initial fraud alert, potential creditors must use what the law refers to as “reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name.  However, the steps potential creditors take to verify your identity may not always alert them that the applicant is not you.  When you place an initial fraud alert on your credit report, you're entitled to order one free credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports.
• An extended fraud alert stays on your credit report for seven years. You can have an extended alert placed on your credit report if you've been a victim of identity theft and you provide the consumer reporting company with an Identity Theft Report. An automated Identity Theft Report, such as the printed ID Theft Complaint available from this Web site, should be sufficient to obtain an extended fraud alert. With an extended fraud alert, potential creditors must actually contact you, or meet with you in person, before they issue you credit.  When you place an extended alert on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit reports within twelve months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. In addition, the consumer reporting companies will remove your name from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years unless you ask them to put your name back on the list before then.

To place either of these alerts on your credit report, or to have them removed, you will be required to provide appropriate proof of your identity: that may include your Social Security number, name, address and other personal information requested by the consumer reporting company.

As mentioned, depending on the type of fraud alert you place, potential creditors must either contact you or take reasonable steps to verify your identity.  This may cause some delays if you're trying to obtain credit. To compensate for possible delays, you may wish to include a cell phone number, where you can be reached easily, in your alert. Remember to keep all contact information in your alert current.

What does a fraud alert not do?

While a fraud alert can help keep an identity thief from opening new accounts in your name, it’s not a solution to all types of identity theft.  It will not protect you from an identity thief using your existing credit cards or other accounts.  It also will not protect you from an identity thief opening new accounts in your name that do not require a credit check – such as a telephone, wireless, or bank account.  And, if there’s identity theft already going on when you place the fraud alert, the fraud alert alone won’t stop it.  A fraud alert, however, can be extremely useful in stopping identity theft that involves opening a new line of credit. 

What is a credit freeze?

Many states have laws that let consumers “freeze” their credit – in other words, letting a consumer restrict access to his or her credit report. If you place a credit freeze, potential creditors and other third parties will not be able to get access to your credit report unless you temporarily lift the freeze.  This means that it’s unlikely that an identity thief would be able to open a new account in your name.  Placing a credit freeze does not affect your credit score – nor does it keep you from getting your free annual credit report, or from buying your credit report or score.

Credit freeze laws vary from state to state.  In some states, anyone can freeze their credit file, while in other states, only identity theft victims can.  The cost of placing, temporarily lifting, and removing a credit freeze also varies.  Many states make credit freezes free for identity theft victims, while other consumers pay a fee – typically $10.  It’s also important to know that these costs are for each of the credit reporting agencies.  If you want to freeze your credit, it would mean placing the freeze with each of three credit reporting agencies, and paying the fee to each one. 

You can find more information about credit freeze laws specific to your state by clicking here, including information on how to place one. 

Who can access my credit report if I place a credit freeze?

If you place a credit freeze, you will continue to have access to your free annual credit report.  You’ll also be able to buy your credit report and credit score even after placing a credit freeze.  Companies that you do business with will still have access to your credit report – for example, your mortgage, credit card, or cell phone company – as would collection agencies that are working for one of those companies.  Companies will also still be able to offer you prescreened credit.  Those are the credit offers you receive in the mail that you have not applied for.  Additionally, in some states, potential employers, insurance companies, landlords, and other non-creditors can still get access to your credit report with a credit freeze in place.      

Can I temporarily lift my credit freeze if I need to let someone check my credit report?

If you want to apply for a loan or credit card, or otherwise need to give someone access to your credit report and that person is not covered by an exception to the credit freeze law, you would need to temporarily lift the credit freeze.  You would do that by using a PIN that each credit reporting agency would send once you placed the credit freeze.  In most states, you’d have to pay a fee to lift the credit freeze.  Most states currently give the credit reporting agencies three days to lift the credit freeze.  This might keep you from getting “instant” credit, which may be something to weigh when considering a credit freeze. 

What does a credit freeze not do?

While a credit freeze can help keep an identity thief from opening most new accounts in your name, it’s not a solution to all types of identity theft.  It will not protect you, for example, from an identity thief who uses your existing credit cards or other accounts.   There are also new accounts, such as telephone, wireless, and bank accounts, which an ID thief could open without a credit check.  In addition, some creditors might open an account without first getting your credit report.  And, if there’s identity theft already going on when you place the credit freeze, the freeze itself won’t be able to stop it.  While a credit freeze may not protect you in these kinds of cases, it can protect you from the vast majority of identity theft that involves opening a new line of credit. 

What’s the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?

A fraud alert is another tool for people who’ve had their ID stolen – or who suspect it may have been stolen.  With a fraud alert in place, businesses may still check your credit report.  Depending on whether you place an initial 90-day fraud alert or an extended fraud alert, potential creditors must either contact you or use what the law refers to as “reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name.  However, the steps potential creditors take to verify your identity may not always alert them that the applicant is not you. 

A credit freeze, on the other hand, will prevent potential creditors and other third parties from accessing your credit report at all, unless you lift the freeze or already have a relationship with the company.  Some consumers use credit freezes because they feel they give more protection.  As with credit freezes, fraud alerts are mainly effective against new credit accounts being opened in your name, but will likely not stop thieves from using your existing accounts, or opening new accounts such as new telephone or wireless accounts, where credit is often not checked.  Also, only people who’ve had their ID stolen – or who suspect it may have been stolen, may place fraud alerts.  In some states, anyone can place a credit freeze. 

What is an Identity Theft Report?

An Identity Theft Report is a police report with more than the usual amount of detail. The Identity Theft Report includes enough detail about the crime for the credit reporting companies and the businesses involved to verify that you are a victim—and to know which accounts and inaccurate information came from identity theft. Normal police reports often don’t have many details about the accounts that were opened or misused by identity thieves.

The printed copy of your ID Theft Complaint Form can provide additional details for the police report. The police are not legally required to use the FTC’s ID Theft Complaint Form as part of their report. Your police department may have another way to incorporate the details of your crime. In these cases, the police report by itself may serve as an Identity Theft Report.
When you file your Identity Theft Report, the credit reporting companies will permanently block fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report. Filing an Identity Theft Report with the credit reporting companies or with the companies where the thief used your information should ensure that these debts do not reappear on your credit report. An Identity Theft Report can prevent a company from continuing to try to collect debts that result from identity theft, or sell those debts to others for collection. It also allows you to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report. The credit reporting companies may decline your Identity Theft Report if it does not contain enough detail for them to verify that you are a victim of identity theft. In that case, the credit reporting companies have certain timeframes for responding to your Identity Theft Report with requests for additional information.

Creating and using an Identity Theft Report may require two steps:

Step One begins with filing your report with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. These agencies may include your local police department, your State Attorney General, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the FTC, or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Some state laws require local police departments to take reports, but there is no law requiring federal agencies to take a report.

In your report, you should give as much information as you can about the crime, including anything you know about the dates of the identity theft, the fraudulent accounts opened and the alleged identity thief. It may help you give the necessary level of detail if you file an online complaint with the FTC, and then ask your local police department to incorporate a copy of the printed ID Theft Complaint into its police report. 

Step Two begins when you send the businesses involved and the credit reporting companies a copy of your Identity Theft Report, which you should do by certified mail, return receipt requested. The companies may ask you to give them more information or documentation to help them verify your identity theft. They have to make their request within 15 days of receiving your Identity Theft Report. The credit reporting company or business then has 15 more days to work with you to make sure your Identity Theft Report contains everything they need. They are also entitled to five days to review any information you give them. For example, if you give them information 11 days after they request it, they have until day 16 to make a final decision.

How do I get an Identity Theft Report?
The officer taking your police report can attach or incorporate your ID Theft Complaint into their police report to add more detail. Ask the officer to give you a copy of the official police report that incorporates or attaches your ID Theft Complaint. In some places the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign a copy of your ID Theft Complaint and write the police report number in the “Law Enforcement Report” section. Be sure to keep a copy of the police report number
The police are not legally required to use the FTC’s ID Theft Complaint Form as part of their report. Your police department may have another way to include all the details of your identity theft information in their police report. In these cases, the police report by itself may serve as an Identity Theft Report.

Because the detailed Identity Theft Report is required for you to get many important protections, you may wish to use the Law Enforcement Cover Letter to explain to the police department how important it is for you to get a police report – as well as the legal protections that a detailed Identity Theft Report gives you.

How do I submit my Identity Theft Report to the credit reporting companies, or to businesses where the thief used my information?
When you send a copy of your Identity Theft Report to the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting companies, include a copy of the credit reporting company cover letter, along with copies of your supporting documentation. Send your information by certified mail with return receipt requested. The mailing addresses for sending Identity Theft Reports to the three major credit reporting companies are on the cover letter.
When writing to the fraud departments of each of the companies where the identity thief has committed fraud using your personal information, include copies of the Identity Theft Report, your supporting documentation, and the appropriate cover letter: for fraud on your existing accounts, or for fraud on new accounts. Always send this information by certified mail, with a return receipt requested.

The credit reporting companies have certain timeframes for responding to your Identity Theft Report with requests for additional information.

What do I do if the police only take reports about identity theft over the Internet or telephone?

The FTC ID Theft Complaint has a special section for police reports that are not filed face-to-face, to help you use it to supplement an automated police report. If you file a police report online or over the phone, complete the “Automated Report Information” block of the ID Theft Complaint. Attach a copy of any filing confirmation received from the police.  
If you have a choice, however, you should file your police report in person and not use an automated report.  It is more difficult for the consumer reporting company and information provider to verify the information in an automated report, and they will likely require additional information and/or documentation. 

What do I do if the local police won't take a report?

There are efforts at the federal, state and local level to ensure that local law enforcement agencies understand identity theft, its impact on victims, and the importance of taking a police report. However, we still hear that some departments are not taking reports. The following tips may help you to get a report if you're having difficulties:

• Provide the officer with a copy of the Law Enforcement Cover Letter that explains why the police report and the Identity Theft Report are so important to both victims and industry.
• Furnish as much documentation as you can to prove your case. Debt collection letters, credit reports, a copy of your printed ID Theft Complaint, and other evidence of fraudulent activity can help demonstrate the legitimacy of your case.  Provide the police a copy of "Remedying the Effects of Identity Theft," which shows that police reports are necessary to secure your rights.
• Be persistent if local authorities tell you that they can't take a report. Stress the importance of a police report; many creditors require one to resolve your dispute. Remind them that consumer reporting companies will automatically block the fraudulent accounts and bad debts from appearing on your credit report, but only if you can give them a copy of the police report. In addition, a police report may be needed to obtain the fraudulent application and other records the company has.
• If you're told that identity theft is not a crime under your state law, ask to file a Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.
• If you can't get the local police to take a report, try your county police. If that doesn't work, try your state police.

Some states require the police to take reports for identity theft. Check with the office of your State Attorney General, which can be found at www.naag.org, to find out if your state has this law.

How do I prove that I'm an identity theft victim?

Applications or other transaction records related to the theft of your identity may help you prove that you are a victim. For example, you may be able to show that the signature on an application is not yours. These documents also may contain information about the identity thief that is valuable to law enforcement.  By law, companies must give you a copy of the application or other business transaction records relating to your identity theft if you submit your request in writing, accompanied by a police report.  Read more about getting information from businesses, and use this model letter to request this information.

Should I apply for a new Social Security number?

Under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration may issue you a new Social Security number - at your request - if, after trying to resolve the problems brought on by identity theft, you continue to experience problems. Consider this option carefully. A new Social Security number may not resolve your identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new Social Security number does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old Social Security number with those from your new Social Security number. Even when the old credit information is not associated with your new Social Security number, the absence of any credit history under your new Social Security number may make it more difficult for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new Social Security number wouldn't also be misused by an identity thief.

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Closed Veterans Day

Posted: November-15-11 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific FCU will be closed on Friday,  November 11, 2011 for the Veterans Day Holiday.  Our offices will resume normal business hours Monday, November 14, 2011. 

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Columbus Day

Posted: October-11-11 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific FCU will be closed Monday, October 10th in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.  We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 11th.  We hope you have a safe holiday.

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Annual BBQ

Posted: October-11-11 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific FCU is hosting our annual BBQ on Friday, September 30th from 11:00am to 2:00pm.  The event will take place at our Mill Street office.  The address is 5580 Mill Street, Suite 700, Reno, NV 89502.  Should you need additional information, feel free to call 775-857-2424.  We look forward to seeing you there!

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Filing a Complaint with the FTC

Posted: September-27-11 Posted by: Leah

To read the full article, click here.

 

How to File a Complaint with the FTC

 

Filing a complaint with the FTC is one of several important steps that victims of identity theft should take. The links below will walk you how to file a complaint with the FTC, and how you can get the protections that you, as a victim of ID theft, may be entitled to. If you’re ready to go directly to the Complaint Form, click here.

For more information on other steps that victims of ID theft should take, please see the Defend: Recover from Identity Theft section of this website.

• What should I know before filling out the FTC’s ID Theft Complaint Form?
• Instructions for completing the ID Theft Complaint Form
• What should I know once I’ve filled out and printed the FTC’s ID Theft Complaint Form?

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75th Anniversary Refinance Special

Posted: September-16-11 Posted by: Leah

In honor of Sierra Pacific FCU's 75th year of service, we are offering our members a Summer Refinance Special.  Until September 15th, when you refinance your auto loan* with us, we will give you a $150.00 gas card to help pay for your summer adventure!  Call any of our locations for further details.

 

Neil Rd.  775-834-4579

Mill St.  775-857-2424

Arlington Ave.  775-336-4900

 

 

* Upon credit approval; must be from another financial institution, minimum $10,000.00 vehicle must be no older than 10 years.

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Labor Day Closure

Posted: September-06-11 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific FCU will be closed Monday, September 5, 2011 for the Labor Day Holiday.  We will resume normal business hours Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

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Resolving Specific Identity Theft Problems

Posted: August-30-11 Posted by: Leah

 

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Closed July 4th

Posted: July-12-11 Posted by: Leah

Sierra Pacific FCU will be closed Monday, July 4, 2011.  Our offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, July 5, 2011.  Please call any of our locations with any questions.

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Merchant Services

Posted: June-24-11 Posted by: Leah

Now Available

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Minimize Your Risk

Posted: June-16-11 Posted by: Leah

The following article came from the FTC website and can be found by clicking here:

 

Deter:  Minimize Your Risk

 

While nothing can guarantee that you won't become a victim of identity theft, you can minimize your risk, and minimize the damage if a problem develops, by making it more difficult for identity thieves to access your personal information.

Protect your Social Security number
Treat your trash and mail carefully
Be on guard when using the Internet
Select intricate passwords
Verify sources before sharing information
Safeguard your purse and wallet
Store information in secure locations
What is a credit freeze?
About identity theft insurance

Protect your Social Security number

Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers. If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver's license number, ask to substitute another number. Do the same if your health insurance company uses your Social Security number as your policy number.

Your employer and financial institutions will need your Social Security number for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your Social Security number to do a credit check if you are applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or signing up for utilities. Sometimes, however, they simply want your Social Security number for general record keeping. If someone asks for your Social Security number, ask:

• Why do you need my Social Security number?
• How will my Social Security number be used?
• How do you protect my Social Security number from being stolen?
• What will happen if I don't give you my Social Security number?

If you don't provide your Social Security number, some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit you want. Getting satisfactory answers to these questions will help you decide whether you want to share your Social Security number with the business. The decision to share is yours.

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Treat your trash and mail carefully

To thwart an identity thief who may pick through your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information, always shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you're discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail.

To opt out of receiving prescreened offers of credit in the mail, call: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). Note: You will be asked to provide your Social Security number which the consumer reporting companies need to match you with your file.

Deposit your outgoing mail containing personally identifying information in post office collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're planning to be away from home and can't pick up your mail, contact the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 or online at www.usps.gov, to request a vacation hold. The Postal Service will hold your mail at your local post office until you can pick it up or are home to receive it.

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Be on guard when using the Internet

The Internet can give you access to information, entertainment, financial offers, and countless other services but at the same time, it can leave you vulnerable to online scammers, identity thieves and more. For practical tips to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information, visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov.

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Select intricate passwords

Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number, a series of consecutive numbers, or a single word that would appear in a dictionary. Combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters make the strongest passwords.  When opening new accounts, you may find that many businesses still ask for your mother's maiden name. Find out if you can use a password instead.

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Verify a source before sharing information

Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact and are sure you know who you're dealing with. Identity thieves are clever, and may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs), and even government agencies to get people to reveal their Social Security number, mother's maiden name, account numbers, and other identifying information.

Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check an organization's website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. Or call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book.

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Safeguard your purse and wallet

Protect your purse and wallet at all times. Don't carry your Social Security number or card; leave it in a secure place. Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you'll actually need when you go out.

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Store information in secure locations

Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house. Share your personal information only with those family members who have a legitimate need for it. Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work; do the same with copies of administrative forms that have your sensitive personal information. 

Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor's offices or other institutions that collect your personally identifying information. Find out who has access to your personal information and verify that it is handled securely. Ask about the disposal procedures for those records as well. Find out if your information will be shared with anyone else. If so, ask how your information can be kept confidential.

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What is a credit freeze?

Many states have laws that let consumers “freeze” their credit – in other words, letting a consumer restrict access to his or her credit report. If you place a credit freeze, potential creditors and other third parties will not be able to get access to your credit report unless you temporarily lift the freeze.  This means that it’s unlikely that an identity thief would be able to open a new account in your name.  Placing a credit freeze does not affect your credit score – nor does it keep you from getting your free annual credit report, or from buying your credit report or score.

Credit freeze laws vary from state to state.  In some states, anyone can freeze their credit file, while in other states, only identity theft victims can.  The cost of placing, temporarily lifting, and removing a credit freeze also varies.  Many states make credit freezes free for identity theft victims, while other consumers pay a fee – typically $10.  It’s also important to know that these costs are for each of the credit reporting agencies.  If you want to freeze your credit, it would mean placing the freeze with each of three credit reporting agencies, and paying the fee to each one. 

You can find more information about credit freeze laws specific to your state by clicking here, including information on how to place one. 

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Who can access my credit report if I place a credit freeze?

If you place a credit freeze, you will continue to have access to your free annual credit report.  You’ll also be able to buy your credit report and credit score even after placing a credit freeze.  Companies that you do business with will still have access to your credit report – for example, your mortgage, credit card, or cell phone company – as would collection agencies that are working for one of those companies.  Companies will also still be able to offer you prescreened credit.  Those are the credit offers you receive in the mail that you have not applied for.  Additionally, in some states, potential employers, insurance companies, landlords, and other non-creditors can still get access to your credit report with a credit freeze in place.      

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Can I temporarily lift my credit freeze if I need to let someone check my credit report?

If you want to apply for a loan or credit card, or otherwise need to give someone access to your credit report and that person is not covered by an exception to the credit freeze law, you would need to temporarily lift the credit freeze.  You would do that by using a PIN that each credit reporting agency would send once you placed the credit freeze.  In most states, you’d have to pay a fee to lift the credit freeze.  Most states currently give the credit reporting agencies three days to lift the credit freeze.  This might keep you from getting “instant” credit, which may be something to weigh when considering a credit freeze. 

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What does a credit freeze not do?

While a credit freeze can help keep an identity thief from opening most new accounts in your name, it’s not a solution to all types of identity theft.  It will not protect you, for example, from an identity thief who uses your existing credit cards or other accounts.   There are also new accounts, such as telephone, wireless, and bank accounts, which an ID thief could open without a credit check.  In addition, some creditors might open an account without first getting your credit report.  And, if there’s identity theft already going on when you place the credit freeze, the freeze itself won’t be able to stop it.  While a credit freeze may not protect you in these kinds of cases, it can protect you from the vast majority of identity theft that involves opening a new line of credit. 

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What’s the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?

A fraud alert is another tool for people who’ve had their ID stolen – or who suspect it may have been stolen.  With a fraud alert in place, businesses may still check your credit report.  Depending on whether you place an initial 90-day fraud alert or an extended fraud alert, potential creditors must either contact you or use what the law refers to as “reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name.  However, the steps potential creditors take to verify your identity may not always alert them that the applicant is not you. 

A credit freeze, on the other hand, will prevent potential creditors and other third parties from accessing your credit report at all, unless you lift the freeze or already have a relationship with the company.  Some consumers use credit freezes because they feel they give more protection.  As with credit freezes, fraud alerts are mainly effective against new credit accounts being opened in your name, but will likely not stop thieves from using your existing accounts, or opening new accounts such as new telephone or wireless accounts, where credit is often not checked.  Also, only people who’ve had their ID stolen – or who suspect it may have been stolen, may place fraud alerts.  In some states, anyone can place a credit freeze. 

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About identity theft insurance

Although identity theft insurance won't deter identity thieves, it can, in certain circumstances, minimize losses if an identity theft occurs. As with any product or service, as you consider whether to buy, be sure you understand what you'd be getting. Things to consider include: (1) the amount of coverage the policy provides; (2) whether it covers any lost wages (and, if so, whether there's a cap on the wages you can claim, or a separate deductible); (3) the amount of the deductible; (4) what might be excluded (for example, if the thief is a family member or if the thief made electronic withdrawals and transfers); (5) whether the policy provides a personal counselor to help you resolve the problems of identity theft; and (6) whether your existing homeowner's policy already contains some coverage. Be aware that one of the major "costs" of identity theft is the time you will spend to clear your name. Also be aware that many companies and law enforcement officers will only deal with you (as opposed to an insurance company representative). So, even if your policy provides you with a personal counselor, that counselor can often only guide you, as opposed to doing the work to clear your name. And, as you evaluate insurance products and services, you may also consider checking out the insurer with your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General.

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Closed 5/30/11

Posted: June-07-11 Posted by: Leah

We will be closed May 30, 2011 for the Memorial Day holiday.  Our hours will return to normal on Tuesday, May 31st.

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Our 75th Annual Meeting

Posted: June-07-11 Posted by: Leah

We are celebrating our 75th anniversary and are planning to have a blowout for our annual meeting.  It will be held at the Atlantis on May 26th at 6pm.  Please feel free to join us.

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Offline Limits

Posted: May-24-11 Posted by: Leah

May 21 - 24

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SYSTEM ERROR

Posted: April-25-11 Posted by: Leah

AT THIS TIME OUR SYSTEM IS DOWN

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Offline on April 24th

Posted: April-25-11 Posted by: Leah

We will be preforming a system save on April 24th.  This will mean our offline limits will be in place and you will not have access to your online banking.  Please call any of our locations should you have any questions.

 

Neil Rd:  775-834-4579

Mill St:  775-857-2424

Arlington Ave:  775-336-4900

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Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Posted: April-19-11 Posted by: Leah

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How to Save Money

Posted: March-17-11 Posted by: Leah

The following article can be located on the America Saves website.  To view the original, click here:

 

Saving on a Tight Budget

 

How can those who currently aren’t saving afford to save money? And how can those saving only a little save more? Here are our top ten tips for saving money when budgets are tight.

 

Cut spending painlessly.

 

Tip 1: To find small savings that add up to big savings over time, keep a careful record of all (and we mean all) of your expenditures for a month. You may be surprised to learn how much you are spending on such things as a daily latte or restaurant meals.

Tip 2: For necessary purchases — such as food and transportation and insurance— comparison shop. The Consumer Literacy Consortium (www.66ways.org) provides good advice from leading consumer experts on how to save money purchasing 28 types of major products.

Tip 3: Restrain spending for birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas. A few well chosen gifts are likely to be more appreciated than a more costly pile of gifts chosen thoughtlessly in a shopping mall foray.

 

Reduce High-Cost Debt

 

Tip 4: Payday loans typically charge interest rates of 500 percent, and the interest rate on credit card debts can run 25 percent. You can save hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars a year by paying off these high-cost debts. For help, contact a credible non-profit credit counseling agency.

Tip 5: Build an emergency fund to avoid having to take loans to pay for unexpected purchases. That fund is usually best kept in a savings account, despite the low interest rates such accounts pay right now. But do try to keep a high enough balance in the account to avoid monthly fees. To learn more on emergency savings, click here.

Tip 6: Ask your bank or credit union to automatically transfer funds each month from your checking to your savings account. Even as little as $10 or$15 a month helps. After all, that’s $120 or $180 a year.

Tip 7: Put all your loose change in this savings account. For many people, that could add up to well over $100 a year.

 

Take Free Money and Save It.

 

Tip 8: Low- and moderate-income workers qualify, each year, for an Earned Income Tax Credit that can put over $1,000, and often more than $2,000, in your pocket. IRS Publication 596 explains how to apply, or you can contact your local tax payer assistance center for in-person help. Then be sure to save at least half of this windfall.

Tip 9: Participate in a local Investment Development Account (IDA) program. In return for attending financial education sessions and agreeing to save for a home, education, or business, you typically receive $2 for every $1 you save through an IDA program. So, $25 that you save each month ends up as $900at the end of a year.

Tip 10: If your employer matches retirement savings contributions, be sure to take advantage of that. Some employers match up to 100 percent of your contributions. While we encourage letting this money build up until retirement, it can be withdrawn, or borrowed on, to cope with serious emergencies.

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Happy Birthday

Posted: February-28-11 Posted by: Leah

for Saint Mary's Branch

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Closed February 21st

Posted: February-25-11 Posted by: Leah

for President's Day

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Warning on Fraudulent Notifications

Posted: February-15-11 Posted by: Leah

from the FBI

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Telephone Collection Scam

Posted: January-25-11 Posted by: Leah

warning from the FBI

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Martin Luther King Day

Posted: January-18-11 Posted by: Leah

January 17th, 2011

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Credit Card Statements

Posted: December-14-10 Posted by: Leah

Available Online

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FRAUD ALERT

Posted: December-14-10 Posted by: Leah

Phone Calls

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Resolving Specific

Posted: December-14-10 Posted by: Leah

Identity Theft Problems

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Thanksgiving Holiday

Posted: November-29-10 Posted by: Leah

Closed Thursday and Friday

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Online Banking will be unavailable

Posted: November-15-10 Posted by: Leah

Nov. 11, 2010

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Veteran's Day

Posted: November-15-10 Posted by: Leah

Closed November 11th

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Real Time has arrived!

Posted: November-15-10 Posted by: Leah

immediate checking account balance updating

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E-Statements

Posted: October-25-10 Posted by: Leah

Cut down on paper waste!

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Closed

Posted: October-12-10 Posted by: Leah

Monday, October 11th

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Labor Day

Posted: September-07-10 Posted by: Leah

Closure

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WARNING!

Posted: September-01-10 Posted by:

Automated Phone Message Attack in Progress

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Tools

Posted: August-17-10 Posted by: Leah

for Identity Theft Victims

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Identity Theft

Posted: July-06-10 Posted by: Leah

How to Detect

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Holiday Closure

Posted: July-06-10 Posted by: Leah

July 5, 2010

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BILL PAY EMAIL ERROR

Posted: June-02-10 Posted by: Leah

from Cal State L.A. FCU

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Statement Misprint

Posted: June-02-10 Posted by: Leah

for April Statements

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Memorial Day

Posted: June-02-10 Posted by: Leah

Closed May 31, 2010

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Don't wait! Mortgage rates are great!

Posted: May-25-10 Posted by: Leah

Opportunity is knocking.

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Phishing

Posted: May-25-10 Posted by: Leah

Don't be caught by it

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SPFCU Annual Meeting

Posted: May-17-10 Posted by: Leah

Held at the Atlantis

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Notary at Mill

Posted: May-07-10 Posted by: Leah

is now available

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Notary available soon

Posted: April-21-10 Posted by: Leah

At Mill Street!

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Scheduled Maintenance

Posted: April-19-10 Posted by: Leah

Wed. April 7th & Sun. April 18th

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Notary

Posted: April-15-10 Posted by: Leah

at Neil Rd. and Arlington Ave. locations

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DEBIT CARD FRAUD WARNING

Posted: April-15-10 Posted by: Leah

Click here for more information.

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Join us for the Grand Opening

Posted: February-27-10 Posted by: Leah

of our Downtown Branch February 25th

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A New Look

Posted: February-19-10 Posted by: Leah

Our website has a new look!

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President's Day

Posted: February-16-10 Posted by: Leah

Closed

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Online Banking will be down

Posted: February-08-10 Posted by: Leah

Sunday February 7th

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Our New Branch is Open!

Posted: January-25-10 Posted by: leah

The Saint Mary's office has opened.

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