Keeping your personal information secure is one of our most important responsibilities. We take care to proactively protect you on a number of fronts: we use secure technology across our platforms, and encrypt all information to ensure privacy and security. As an additional security measure, you should register and login to access your account online. We’ve also put together these tips to help you protect yourself from the most common fraud risks.
When it comes to fraud prevention, Synchrony has an experienced team dedicated to protecting and educating our customers. Our team’s mission is to ensure we guard your ability to safely and confidently use your credit cards and online accounts.
Your actions can go a long way toward minimizing opportunities for fraud, identity theft, and other compromises of your account. Here are three of the most important steps you can take:
Safeguarding your personal information is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from identity theft. Keep in mind this applies to both physical documents and online activities:
Make a habit of monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements on a regular basis. Check your credit report as part of your routine. Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
Take immediate action as soon as you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft. Maintain your records and follow these steps to respond and recover:
If you become a victim of fraud or identity theft, you’ll want to respond and begin to recover as quickly as you can. The process should include working with your card issuer, local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission , State and Local agencies and the credit bureaus
Notify the three major credit bureaus using the contact information below. Please remember that initial Fraud Alerts expire after six months, so it may be helpful to learn how to extend the alert if necessary. You may also consider filing a statement with the bureaus asking for notification to you before any new accounts are opened or any existing accounts are changed in your name. This could uncover illegitimate attempts to open additional accounts in your name
Equifax
Credit Report: 1-800-685-1111
Report Fraud: 1-800-525-6285
http://www.equifax.com
Experian
Credit Report: 1-888-397-3742
Report Fraud: 1-888-397-3742
http://www.experian.com
TransUnion
Credit Report: 1-800-888-4213
Report Fraud: 1-800-680-7289
http://www.transunion.com
Request and regularly review copies of your credit report from each credit bureau. If information contained in your report is not accurate, you may dispute it and request that it be changed. Regular reviews will help you confirm that the requested changes have been made and if your report has been changed without your knowledge.
A free copy of your credit report is available annually, at http://www.annualcreditreport.com.
How often do you check if your web session is secure? Get in the habit of checking every time you log in to a website and you can be confident your information is protected. Look for the small lock symbol, usually located in the lower corner of your browser window, and "https://" at the beginning of the URL.
When it comes to email, keep these guidelines in mind:
Please exercise caution when reading email that may appear to have been sent by us. An increasingly common tactic used by criminals is called "phishing" (pronounced "fishing").
There are many variations, but in general, phishing often takes on one of the following forms:
Some other ways to keep your information secure include:
If you have an existing fraud case with Synchrony, please contact us at 1-866-412-7866, or see the FAQ section for additional information.
Identity Theft Resource Center
1-888-400-5530
www.idtheftcenter.org
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
1-619-298-3396
www.privacyrights.org
It may also be useful to contact your State Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency to inquire if your state has laws related to identity theft or fraud protection.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
If you know or suspect your Social Security Number (SSN) may be involved in identity theft it may be helpful to contact the SSA and report the problem.
1-800-269-0271
https://oig.ssa.gov/report/
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
The USPIS is the entity of the U.S. Postal Service which investigates identity theft when it involves stolen mail or other violations of the integrity of the mail service.
1-877-876-2455
www.postalinspectors.uspis.gov
Q. What do I do if I suspect I have become a victim of fraud or identity theft?
A. Take action as soon as you suspect an issue. The faster you respond, the faster the issue may be able to be resolved.
Q. What happens after I have reported fraud on my Synchrony account?
A. If you have reported fraudulent charges on your account, a claim will be opened and your account will be assigned an investigator. Additionally, the following is important to remember;
Q. How do I fill out the Fraud Investigation Form?
A. When completing the form, please be mindful of the following: