Protect Yourself against Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, like your social security number, date of birth, name and address to open a new credit card, bank account or other loan, or to take over an existing account, without your permission.

How Thieves Steal Your Information

• Phishing emails, texts, or calls
• Lost or stolen wallets/cards
• Data breaches
• Unsecured Wi-Fi or public computers
• Dumpster diving for personal documents

Warning Signs

• Unfamiliar charges on your account
• Bills or mail you never received
• Calls from debt collectors about accounts you didn't open
• Unexpected drop in your credit score

How to Protect Yourself

• Shred personal documents before throwing them away
• Use strong, unique passwords with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
• Review account and credit card statements regularly
• Enroll in account alerts and credit monitoring
• Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact

What to Do if You're a Victim

• Contact your financial institution immediately
• Place a fraud alert with a credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion)
• File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov
• File a police report if necessary
• Keep records of all communications

Protecting your personal information is more than just a good habit; it's a crucial step in safeguarding your financial future. By staying alert to warning signs, regularly monitoring your accounts, and taking proactive steps like shredding your confidential documents, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud and identity theft.