The staff of First Kingsport Credit Union will make every effort available to assist you with financial counseling. We will look at your individual situation and use the tools that we have to work with your long-range goals!
Many members are looking for savings plans to ensure that they can afford college, retire comfortably, make a large purchase, etc. We can set up automatic deposits to make these savings plans a reality. Contact Carrie Bowman at 423-224-2530 for more information on investing with First Kingsport Credit Union.
Many members are having a hard time making ends meet. If you have too large of a credit load, contact Beverly, Tammy, or Angie, to get more information on debt consolidation. We will look at all options available to reduce your debt ratio. One easy test is take all your consumer debt, including your house payment, and add it up. Then take your gross monthly income and divide your debt by your income. A comfortable rule of thumb is 40%.
In today's society it is just too easy to get in over your head. Always call the credit union first - before you visit a bankruptcy attorney or credit counseling service. We will take time to look things over and give you our best advice. Perhaps the credit union can help you to keep your credit in good condition, and then you won't have to carry the burden of spoiled credit or bankruptcy for up to 10 years.
Everything is always confidential, and we will not discuss your individual situations with anyone. If you are up nights worrying, or are a nervous wreck over your debt situation, call us!! We want to help you.
Beware...Identity Theft Happens!!! Deter, Detect and Defend yourself in order to AVOID Identity Theft!!
Common ways to Fight Back against Identity Theft:
Skilled thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:
1. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal info on it.
2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
3. Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to
reveal your personal information.
4. Changing your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change of address"
form.
5. "Old fashion Stealing". They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved
credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from your
employers, or bribe employees who have access.
DETER
Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
* Shred Financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
* 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 it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
* Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are
dealing with.
* Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address that you know. Use fire-walls, anti-
spyware and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up to date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more
info.
* Don't use obvious passwords like your birthdate, your mother's maiden name, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security
number.
* Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or
are having work done on your home.
DETECT
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements. Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
* Bills that do not arrive as expected.
* Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
* Denials of credit for no apparent reason.
* Calls or letters about purchases that you did not make
Inspect:
* Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying
history.
**The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to
give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to
order your free credit reports each year. You can also write:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
** Your Financial Statements. Review Financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges
you did not make.
DEFEND
Defend against ID Theft as soon as you suspect it.
*Place a FRAUD ALERT on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain
procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three
nationwide comsumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90 day fraud alert; a call to
one company is sufficient:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
Placing fraud alerts entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquires from companies you haven't
contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you cannot explain.
Financial Counseling
