Security Center

At Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Niles, safeguarding your personal and financial information is our top priority. Our Security Center is dedicated to providing you with essential resources and tips to protect against identity theft and fraudulent activities.

Preventing Identity Theft

Recognizing Potential Scams

Be cautious of unsolicited communications requesting personal or account information. To identify potential scams:

Inspect Links Before Clicking: Hover over links to view the URL.
Verify Websites: Consult the Better Business Bureau for site legitimacy.
Check for Secure Connections: Look for a padlock icon in the address bar before entering sensitive information.
Assess Email Authenticity: Be wary of unusual email domains and grammatical errors.
Protect Personal Information: Never share private details via email; only provide information when you've initiated contact through official channels

Indicators of Identity Theft

Stay alert to signs that your identity may have been compromised:

Unexplained Bank Withdrawals: Unexpected transactions in your accounts.
Missing Bills or Mail: Not receiving expected financial statements.
Unknown Accounts on Credit Reports: New accounts you didn't open.
Debt Collection Calls for Unfamiliar Debts: Inquiries about debts that aren't yours.
Data Breach Notifications: Alerts from companies you've interacted with about compromised information.

Stay alert to signs that your identity may have been compromised:

1. Contact Financial Institutions: Inform them of potential unauthorized use.
2. File a Police Report: Create an official record of the incident.
3. Notify Credit Reporting Agencies: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
4. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Submit a complaint through the FTC's website.

For comprehensive guidance, visit identitytheft.gov.

Understanding Identity Theft

Identity theft involves unauthorized use of personal information, such as your name or Social Security number, to commit fraud. This can include opening new accounts or making purchases in your name.

Two concerned women holding a credit card while looking at a laptop, possibly experiencing a security or fraud issue

Common Methods of Identity Theft

Stay alert to signs that your identity may have been compromised:

Dumpster Diving: Fraudsters search through trash for personal data.
Shoulder Surfing: Observing individuals' private information over their shoulders.
Phishing: impersonate legitimate institutions to solicit personal details via spam or pop-up messages.
Theft: wallets, mail, or personal records to access information.

By staying informed and cautious, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft. For more information, please contact us

Additional information and guidance to protect against identity theft:

Experian, 888-Experian (1-888-397-37542)
TransUnion, 1-888-909-8872
Equifax, 1-800-685-1111
Federal Trade Commission
United States Department of Justice
Social Security Administration