Identity Theft and Pretext Calling

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) requires the NCUA to provide guidance to credit unions concerning the unauthorized disclosure of financial information. In response to this requirement, the NCUA has developed the enclosed, Guidance on Identity Theft and Pretext Calling, to address how credit unions should protect member information against these two areas of consumer fraud. The Guidance:

• summarizes federal laws that pertain to identity theft and pretext calling;
• discusses measures credit unions can
• take to protect member information; informs credit unions how they should report suspected criminal activity;
• highlights the importance of consumer education to prevent fraud and assist victims of fraud; and

provides references for additional assistance and previous NCUA publications regarding or relating to identity theft and pretext calling. Also enclosed you will find NCUA’s member pamphlet, How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft. This pamphlet is available for download from NCUA’s website (www.ncua.gov).

If, after reviewing the enclosed documents, you have any questions or concerns, please contact your NCUA Regional Office or State Supervisory Authority.