Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes, costing you time, money, and potentially damaging your credit and reputation. Although no foolproof prevention exists, taking specific precautions can reduce your risk and mitigate the impact if you encounter a problem, making it harder for identity thieves to succeed.

It’s about following the “3 D’s” of identity theft protection - Deter, Detect, and Defend.

DETER

Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information. 

• Shred financial documents before discarding them.
• Keep your Social Security number private; avoid carrying it or writing it on checks unless necessary.
• Only share personal information if you've initiated contact and verified the recipient.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails; manually enter known web addresses.
• Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and antivirus software on your home computer, keeping them updated.
• Choose strong, unique passwords instead of easily guessable ones like birth dates or Social Security numbers.
• Secure personal information at home, especially if you share living space or employ outside help.

DETECT 

Detect suspicious activity by Stay vigilant - Monitor financial accounts and bills regularly for unusual activity. Look out for:

• Missing mail or bills.
• Unexpected credit statements or cards.
• Unexplained credit denials.
• Notices regarding unrecognized purchases.

Inspect:

Check your credit report annually. It details your accounts and payment history. By law, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion provide a free copy each year. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to request yours. Also, review your financial statements regularly for unauthorized charges.

DEFEND

Act promptly if you suspect identity theft:

• Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports; one call to any of the three major consumer reporting companies is enough.
   
  1. Equifax: 1-888-298-0045 - https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
  2. Experian: 1-888-397-3742 - https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
  3. TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 - https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
• Monitor your reports for suspicious activity, like unrequested inquiries or unfamiliar accounts.
• Close compromised accounts and contact companies involved, both by phone and in writing, including supporting documents.
• Use the ID Theft Affidavit available at https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft.
• Request written confirmation of account closure and debt discharge.
• Keep detailed records of all correspondence and actions taken.
• File a police report to assist with creditor requests for proof.
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission to aid in nationwide investigations.
  1. Online: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft
  2. By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261
  3. By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580

For more resources visit: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/consumer-assistance-topics/cybersecurity.html