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Protecting Personal Information

Learn how to avoid internet fraud and protect your information.

Avoid internet fraud

Internet fraud is often perpetrated through email. Criminals who send bogus messages want you to react immediately by replying with personal information.

 

Do not respond right away to demanding or urgent emails.

If you receive an email requesting sensitive information, check its authenticity by contacting the company that appears to be the originator. Even if the email links to a website that looks legitimate, contact the company that appears to have sent the message.

 

Remember, Flagstar Bank will never send you an email requesting sensitive personal information.

If you are a Flagstar Bank customer and receive a suspicious email that refers to us, please forward it immediately to abuse@flagstar.com.

Protect your personal information

There are several steps you can take to protect your personal information:

  • Leave sensitive data, such as social security cards, in a secure storage rather than carrying this information in your purse or wallet.
  • Shred all unnecessary financial documents before throwing them away.
  • Retrieve incoming mail from the mailbox quickly and don't leave outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox.
  • Go paperless. Sign up for online statements, direct deposit, and Bill Pay.
  • Opt out of preapproved credit card offers. Call the credit reporting industry prescreening opt-out number at 888-567-8688.
  • Monitor your online statements.
  • Verify all transactions and always be on the lookout for suspicious behavior.
  • Be sure your credit card is returned following any purchase(s) you make, and make sure that it is indeed your card that was returned. You should always wait for your card receipt and never leave credit card receipts at the checkout counter. Take your charge slips with you and tear up any carbons.
  • Save your receipts and check them against your online monthly billing or account statements, to verify all transactions. Any unauthorized transactions should be reported immediately. Once you have reconciled your billing statements, shred all receipts and discard them at home.
  • Keep a list of all your credit card account numbers and phone numbers to call, should cards get lost or stolen. Make sure to put these numbers in a secure place, separate from your credit cards.
  • Sign the signature panel on your credit cards and check cards as soon as you receive them. Duplicates should be kept in a safe place.
  • Be cautious when giving out your card number over the phone, and never provide account information to anyone who has called you.