State Employees’ Credit Union Helping Over 135,000 Members Protect Their Identity

RALEIGH, N.C.--(www.allCUnews.com)--State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) has surpassed the 135,000 mark with it Member Identification (ID) Card Program, “It’s A Me Thing.” SECU completed ID equipment implementation in all of its 202 branch locations in August 2006. The card, available at no cost, provides members an identification tool that includes their name, photo and signature, all housed in SECU’s image system. The magnetic stripe helps in fraud prevention by associating the member’s identification with their account and driver’s license information. To further thwart fraud, the Credit Union is also providing photos on all SECU debit and credit cards. Statistics prove a photo card is less likely to be used for fraudulent activity than a traditional card. Identity theft is a rapidly increasing form of fraud and State Employees’ Credit Union, with its Member ID card program is aggressively working to help protect its members.

Leanne Phelps, Senior Vice President of Card and Record Services, comments, “The success of the ID Program is dependent on members understanding the advantages of this new service. Capturing pictures and driver’s license information of SECU members is critical in order to help prevent identity theft. Providing this added security measure at no cost to members goes hand in hand with the Credit Union’s ‘Do The Right Thing’ approach to member service.”

Branch personnel have done an excellent job encouraging members to have their photos taken during routine visits to SECU branches - the rapid pace at which SECU is producing cards confirms this. For members less likely to visit Credit Union offices, word-of-mouth advertising from fellow members has been a driving force in communicating the benefits of the program. Mrs. Phelps adds, “ The ID card program is one of many security measures SECU is implementing to help reduce and combat fraud. Our members deserve an uncompromising effort to protect their identity and financial information.”

About SECU

SECU is a non-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. SECU has been providing the employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 65 years. Currently serving over 1.3 million members, SECU provides services through more than 200 branch offices, approximately 900 ATMs, two call centers and a website—www.ncsecu.org.

Contacts
Education Services, SECU
Leigh Brady, 919-807-8344
Senior Vice President
Fax: 919-807-8348
leigh.brady@ncsecu.org