Identity Theft Information

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information — such as your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords — without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. It can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Review your account statements regularly and report any suspicious activity to us immediately.

  • Never share your PIN, passwords, or account numbers over the phone or email.

  • Shred documents containing personal or financial information before discarding them.

  • Use strong, unique passwords for online banking and financial accounts.

  • Monitor your credit report at least once a year. You are entitled to one free report annually from each of the three major bureaus at annualcreditreport.com.

  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information — ADEFCU will never ask for your full account number or password by email or phone.

Signs You May Be a Victim

  • Unfamiliar charges or withdrawals on your account

  • Bills or statements that stop arriving

  • Unexpected denial of credit

  • Calls from debt collectors about accounts you don't recognize

What to Do If You're a Victim

  1. Contact ADEFCU immediately at 907.753.5118 so we can secure your account.

  2. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

  3. File a report at IdentityTheft.gov — the federal government's one-stop resource for identity theft victims.

  4. File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.

Helpful Resources

  • Federal Trade Commission: consumer.ftc.gov

  • Annual Credit Report: annualcreditreport.com

  • Identity Theft Recovery: identitytheft.gov

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your ADEFCU account, contact us right away at 907.753.5118 or members@adefcu.org. For lost or stolen debit cards after hours, call 1.800.528.2273.