Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information such as: your name, Social Security number, or credit card number without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Some steps you can take to keep your identity safe include:

• Shred all documents containing your personal information.
• Don't leave receipts at ATMs or store checkouts.
• Carry only necessary identification with you and avoid carrying your Social Security card.

To learn more about identity theft, visit the U.S. Government's identity theft website.

Phishing is a form of fraud where criminals use the internet to send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. These messages often imitate the design of a legitimate business or financial institution. Tips to help you avoid phishing scams include:

• Never email personal or financial information.
• Don't reply to emails or pop-up messages requesting personal or financial information.
• Use caution when opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• Don't send your Higher One user ID or password in email.
• Don't respond to emails that require you to enter personal information directly into the email.
• Don't respond to emails threatening to close your account if you do not take the immediate action of providing personal information.
• Don't reply to emails asking you to send personal information.

Learn more about phishing by visiting Fraud.org.

Similar to phishing, smishing is a form of fraud where criminals use text messages to extract confidential information from unsuspecting victims. Typically, the fraudulent message threatens the victim will be charged for something unless he or she cancels it. Some ways you can avoid smishing scams include:

• Never text your financial information.
• Do not reply to unknown URLs.
• Contact the company directly not by text message.

Keeping your account passwords and PINs secure is crucial to protecting your account. Tips for keeping PINs and passwords safe include:

• Never give out your password. Higher One staff will never ask for it.
• Do not store your password on your computer.
• Do not write your PIN on the back of your card and never select a PIN based on easy to obtain information, like your date of birth.

Check your credit report regularly; it's an important way to detect any potential fraudulent activity due to identity theft. Find out more about credit reports at the FTC's site.

If we notice unusual activity on your account we may contact you directly, via telephone or email address.

In the event you notice unusual activity on your account, contact us directly: By Toll-free Telephone: 1-877-778-7781.