In a clear expression of its commitment to its credit union community, University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU) announced that it is offering America’s premier identity theft services at no charge to all its members.  UMCU, with roughly 43,000 members and assets in excess of $345 million, has partnered with Arizona-based CyberScout®, the nation’s leading provider of identity theft education and resolution services. 

Through this new partnership, UMCU members have unlimited one-on-one access to an CyberScout fraud specialist, and are provided with a wealth of educational resources as a proactive measure against the crime.

“Identity theft has become the fastest-growing crime in America and is one of the most difficult to prevent,” said Jeff Schillag, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the University of Michigan Credit Union.  “We know that if our members become a victim of identity theft, they will be assigned an experienced fraud specialist who will help them regain control over their lives.”
Nationally, more than 150 million records have been exposed in database breaches since February 2005, according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, making identity theft resolution services and education more important than ever.

“While there is no perfect defense against identity theft, there are several steps that people can take to protect themselves proactively,” continued Schillag.  “Aside from offering resolution services, The University of Michigan Credit Union is also committed to educating its members and the community on identity theft prevention.”

“As a University of Michigan Law School graduate, I’m especially proud to be working with The University of Michigan Credit Union,” said Adam Levin, Chairman of CyberScout.   “Identity theft isn’t about to go away.  The situation is getting worse, criminals are getting smarter, and victims of the crime are increasingly confused about where to turn for help.  I sincerely hope that the University of Michigan Credit Union’s decision to protect its members spreads to other universities and their affiliates.”

CyberScout Resolution Service
With one call to the CyberScout Resolution Center, the victim’s advocate immediately mobilizes all available resources, cutting through a maze of state, local and federal agencies.  From notifying credit bureaus, to helping a victim file a police report, the advocate leads the resolution process step-by-step, bringing to bear years of experience.  In short, the personal advocate does the heavy lifting.  CyberScout's identity theft resolution service includes:

• Unlimited one-on-one access to an expert personal advocate 
• Proactive assistance after theft or loss of wallet/purse (to minimize risk) 
• Free credit reports from the three major bureaus, including a step-by-step review with advocate 
• Advocate-assisted fraud alerts placed with Trans Union, then applied to Experian and Equifax 
• Immediate filing of a notarized Identity Theft Affidavit, necessary to substantiate fraud claims 
• Assistance notifying all relevant businesses, agencies and institutions 
• Assistance replacing checks, credit cards and debit cards 
• Enrollment in one year of state-of-the-art credit monitoring 
• Enrollment in one year of fraud monitoring of more than 1,000 public records databases 
• A full year of active follow-up after resolution 

All services also apply to immediate family members 

In addition, CyberScout's comprehensive educational platform is accessible through a dedicated web site, found at www.umcu-identitytheft911.org.