Protecting Personal Information

Identify theft remains a potentially serious threat to our security. Flagstar is continually taking steps to reduce the instance of fraud. You can help by avoiding Internet fraud and by protecting your personal information.

Preventing Internet Fraud

Internet fraud is often perpetrated through email. Criminals who send bogus messages want you to react immediately by replying with personal information. Pause and take these steps before responding:

• 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.

Protecting Your Personal Information

• Leave sensitive data, such as social security cards, in 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.
• Don't leave outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox.
• Eliminate paper by signing up for online statements, signing up for direct deposit and Bill Pay. 
  
• Opting out of preapproved credit card offers by calling 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.
• Wait for your card receipt. Never leave your credit card receipts at the checkout counter. Always take your charge slips with you and tear up any carbons.
• Save your receipts. Check receipts against your online monthly billing or account statements to verify all transactions. Report any unauthorized transactions 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 as well as telephone numbers to call if the cards are lost or stolen. 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. Keep duplicates in a safe place.
• Be cautious when giving out your card number over the phone. Never provide account information to anyone who has called you.