Identity fraud is the stealing of personal information and then using it illegally.
If you think you are a victim of identity fraud and are a Member, call Meridian immediately at 1-866-592-2226
Thieves might get documents from your trash, steal your purse or wallet, gather information that you have posted on the Internet, change your address with creditors and apply for new loans or credit cards in your name. You may not be aware of this until months or years have passed.
Protect your personal information: Do not give account or card number information to anyone, whether in person, over the phone or online, unless you are confident to do so. Do not carry your Social Insurance Number card in your wallet unless it is necessary.
Memorize your passwords and bank machine Personal Identification Number (PIN): Don't write down your bank machine Personal Identification Number (PIN) or your online banking password. If you must write these down, keep them in a safe place and do not carry them in your wallet or purse. Never give this information to anyone, even a Meridian employee. Our employees will never ask Members for this information, so be suspicious of anyone asking for it.
Keep your Personal Verification Question (PVQ) answers confidential: Do not share your Personal Verification Question (PVQ) answers with anyone, and do not disclose them in any e-mails. Giving your PVQ answers to another person or company places your finances and privacy at risk. Meridian will never request this information.
Report thefts and losses immediately: If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, call Meridian at 1-866-592-2226 to block your accounts and cards from use. Shred or tear up junk mail and statements: If you don't want mail offers, tear them up or shred them. Identity fraud often occurs by thieves going through trash for this. As well, tear up or shred any personal information such as receipts that show your card numbers or bank statements.
Review your account statements: Report suspicious transactions immediately to Meridian at 1-866-592-2226. Review your credit report: At least once each year, contact a credit bureau to check the accuracy of your credit report.
Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN): When entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) at a bank machine or debit terminal, position yourself to block others from observing you enter your PIN. Stay alert.
Protect your credit cards: Sign credit cards as soon as you receive them. Cancel inactive cards and don't lend your credit cards.
Practice safe computing: Installing up-to date anti-virus/spyware software and a firewall on your computer will help keep your Meridian Online Banking safe.
How to protect yourself from Identity Theft: Identity thieves are criminals that will learn and use your personal information to access your financial accounts. Checking your accounts regularly and using these tips will help keep your banking experience as secure as possible.