Identity Protection

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. You can make it much harder for a thief to steal your personal information. These simple tips may help you minimize your risk.

Review your credit reports periodically.
To best protect your accounts, make sure the password and username you choose for online banking are unique: don’t use it for any other sites or services.
Review your statements and account information regularly. Report suspicious transactions immediately.
Never provide your personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited phone request.
Beware of phishing emails or text messages asking for your confidential personal information such as passwords, PINs, or credit card numbers.
To prevent a credit reporting company from releasing your credit report without your consent, consider adding a security freeze on your credit bureau files.
Place passwords on your bank accounts if you have concerns.
Change your online banking and other important passwords regularly and make sure to use strong passwords that are not easily guessed.
Pay attention to your billing cycles and follow up with creditors if your bills don’t arrive on time.
Cancel unused credit accounts.
Carry only the identification information and the number of credit and debit cards that you actually need.
Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
Give your Social Security Number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use another method, such as a password.
Before you dispose of them, shred old confidential documents such as charge receipts, copies of pre-approved credit applications, insurance forms, and bank statements.
Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes, rather than in an unsecured residential or commercial mailbox.
Be wary of promotional scams. Identity thieves use phony offers to persuade you to give them personal information.
Secure personal information at home, especially if you have roommates or people that you may not know well coming into your home.
Be aware of security in places you frequent and your other surroundings.
See more tips to protect yourself online.