Identity theft has become America’s fastest growing crime, and along with other types of fraud including online phishing, false text messages and international “lottery” scams, Northeast Indiana is being deluged with illegal attempts to steal information that often leads to severe financial losses. In the United States, approximately $54 billion worth of Fraud occurred in 2009 (information courtesy of Javelin Strategy & Research). 

As part of Consumer Protection Week (March 8-12), 3Rivers Federal Credit Union is taking a stand against the scammers with a special community event at the 3Rivers Northland Blvd. branch, 1615 Northland Blvd. on Friday March 12 from 1-3 p.m.  The U.S. Postal Inspector and representatives from the Indiana State Police department will be present to answer questions and discuss fraud issues.

In addition to this event, throughout the week of March 8, information will be available at all 3Rivers branches to help area residents understand how to protect themselves from various forms of fraud.  This information will help answer many of the questions people have been asking as these scams have infiltrated our area:

—What to do if you discover fraudulent activity

—How to place a security freeze on your credit

—How to receive a copy of the Indiana Identity Theft Victim Kit

Also, area residents will be able to take the Identity Theft IQ test to find out just how well protected they are against Identity Theft.