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Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity Theft Awareness Week, running from January 27th to January 31st this year, serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding your personal information. Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims. Criminals can use your stolen information to open new accounts, rack up debt, and damage your credit score.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. This information can include your name, address, Social Security number, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and even your medical insurance information. Criminals can use this information to:   
  • Make purchases with your credit cards
  • Open new credit cards in your name
  • Open utility accounts in your name
  • Get medical services in your name
  • File for tax refunds in your name

How to Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft:
  • Place a freeze on your credit reports. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for criminals to open new accounts in your name.
  • Protect your personal documents. Keep important documents such as your birth certificate, Social Security card, and bank statements in a secure location. Shred any documents that contain your personal information before throwing them away.
  • Be careful about sharing your personal information. Don't share your Social Security number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from a legitimate organization.
  • Protect your information online and on your phone. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts.
  • Review your bills and bank statements regularly. Look for any unauthorized charges or transactions.

What to Do If You Think You've Been a Victim of Identity Theft

If you think you've been a victim of identity theft, take the following steps:
  • Contact the companies where you suspect fraud has occurred. Close or freeze any affected accounts.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This will alert creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
  • Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC will provide you with a recovery plan to help you get your life back on track.

EFCU: Your Partner in Protecting Your Identity

We are committed to helping you protect your financial information. We offer a variety of security features to help keep your accounts safe, and we are always here to help you if you suspect that you have been a victim of identity theft. For more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft, please visit https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft or download this resource today. Have more questions? Call us today at 775.738.4083 – we're happy to help!