Security Center

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Data breaches, credit freezes, and identity theft... oh my! from OnGuardOnline.gov

News reports of large-scale data breaches have prompted many questions on what to do to protect yourself.

Check your credit reports for free every few months by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228. Federal law allows you to get a free copy every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Accounts on your credit report that you don't recognize could indicate identity theft. Visit ftc.gov/idtheft to find out what to do. Ask the credit bureaus to place a credit/security freeze on your account which will let you limit access to your credit report, and will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. One thing to remember: A credit freeze doesn't prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts. Even if you elect a credit freeze you still will monitor your existing credit card and bank accounts for charges you don't recognize and report them to your bank. Finally, be aware of phishing scams. Delete email or text messages that ask you to confirm or provide personal information (credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc.). The sender already may have some personal information about you, stolen as part of a data breach. Don't let that fool you. Legitimate companies don't ask for sensitive personal data via email or text.

Identity Theft Prevention

Your identity is one of the most valuable things you own. It's important to keep your identity from being stolen by someone who can potentially harm your good name and financial well-being. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security Number, credit card or financial account numbers, passwords, and other personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.

Email Safety

Phishing is an email scam used to steal your personal information. Email may appear in your inbox, claiming to be from your financial institution, credit card company, or another source. It may appear authentic but be careful - any email requesting personal information or to "verify" account information is usually a scam. Do not respond to this and do not click on any link from this email.

Online Banking

The Internet is a great place to browse and do business. But it can also be a Danger Zone for identity theft if you don't know what to watch for or how to protect yourself. Learn how to practice safe browsing.

Protect Your Mobile Device from Fraudsters

(excerpt from the American Bankers Association, aba.com) The increased popularity of Mobile Banking has caught the attention of fraudsters. According to a survey by the ABA, two in five Americans (39%) use a mobile device to manage their bank account at least once per month. ABA suggests following these 12 steps to protect your mobile device:

Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
Log out completely when you finish a Mobile Banking session.
Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren't very secure, so don't perform banking transactions on a public network.
Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary "permissions."
Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number.
Beware of mobile phishing. Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don't know. And be wary of ads (not from your security provider) claiming that your device is infected.
Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it.
Tell your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings.
Protect your phone from viruses and malware just like you do for your computer by installing mobile security software.
Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

Phone Fraud

The telephone is one of the most often used sources for criminal activity. Here's how it works. Your phone rings. The caller claims to be from your financial institution or any other source. They begin asking questions about you and your account. This could be a telephone scam called Vishing. Someone is attempting to steal your identity. And it happens to millions of Americans every year.

Payment Fraud

Payment fraud happens when someone uses information from your checks, credit and debit cards, or any other form of payment without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. But this and other forms of identity theft can be avoided if you know how to protect yourself.

Mail Fraud

The simple act of sending and receiving mail and putting your trash out at night can put your personal information at risk. Financial information, checks, bank account, and credit card statements, and monthly bills can be stolen from your home, mailbox, or even from your trash, and used to access your accounts and steal your identity.

My Identity has been Stolen

If you're a victim of identity theft, what should you do? If your identity has been stolen, you need to take immediate action to limit the damage and protect your good name.