Fraternity-Testvériség, 2003 (81. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2003-04-01 / 2. szám
FRATERNITY Page 11 12. Upon closing of the mortgage loan and receipt of all necessary documents after the closing, the $125.00 application fee is donated in the name of the borrower to either the HRFA Student Aid and Loan Fund or the Bethlen Home Building Fund. Statistics from the Annual Statement Year Ended December 31, 2002 • Total admitted assets...............................$23,164,370 • Total liabilities ........................................ 23,164,352 • Net investment income .......................... 1,447,920 • Net premium income ............................ 533,102 • Unassigned funds (surplus) ................... 8,181,510 • Insurance in force ................................... 43,236,000 • New insurance written in 2002 .............. 3,713,000 Benefits paid to members in 2002: •Death 308,391 •Matured 185,943 • Surrender 151,542 Student Aid & Loan Fund of the HRFA Balance on checking account (12/31/2001) ............................................... $19,020.22 Income in 2002 .......................................... 9,708.12 Disbursements in 2002 ............................ 7,849.43 Balance (12/31/2002) ............................. 20,878.91 Assets of the Student Aid & Loan Fund of the HRFA: Money Market Funds ................................ $ 3,572.22 Corporate Fixed Income ........................... 132,182.50 Checking account at Riggs National Bank ................................. 20.878.91 Total Assets as of 12/31/2002 $156,653.63 William B. Puskas, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer/CFO Protect Yourself from Identity Theft You take steps to protect your home and automobile from thieves, but have you ever thought about protecting your identity? Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. In 2001, more than 750,000 cases were reported. 25 percent of the population will either be a victim of identity crime or be related to a victim within the next five years. It occurs when one person uses information about another (credit card numbers, bank account numbers, insurance information or social security numbers) for financial gain. For example, thieves can use other social security numbers and credit ratings to obtain personal loans, credit cards and run up debts that are never repaid. The consequences for the victim are severe but acute. At first, abnormal credit reports, bounced checks, or creditor calls are dismissed as banking errors. When identity theft is recognized, the victim must collect evidence to prove to financial institutions that a crime has been committed. This takes valuable time and causes a great deal of stress. Even when a crime is proven, consumers may end up with higher fees or lower returns on investments, though they are usually reimbursed for losses. However, they may have to work to repair damaged credit reports. The information age we live in makes it easier than ever for criminals to obtain personal information. This is just one reason most seniors cite for not using the Internet. However, identity theft is just as likely to occur offline as it is on. Most online thieves use public databases, records and search engines to collect information gathered offline. Here are some tips to protect yourself: • Don’t throw out anything with account numbers, social security numbers or other identifiable information without shredding it first. • Always take credit card and ATM receipts with you. If a retailer still uses carbon credit card forms, ask for the carbons. • Never give out personal or financial information over the phone to anyone who calls you to sell you something or solicit a donation. • Beware of anyone calling to “confirm” personal or financial information. • Thoroughly review bank statements and bills for unusual activity.
