How can I protect myself from identity theft?

Understanding Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission, potentially causing financial loss and damage to your credit. It's crucial to understand the risks and take proactive steps to protect yourself.

Preventative Measures

To safeguard your identity, implement these essential preventative measures:

• Be cautious about sharing personal information, especially in response to unsolicited requests.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your financial accounts and online services.
• Be wary of suspicious communications or unexpected requests for personal data via phone, email, or mail.

Active Monitoring

Monitoring your information regularly is one of the best ways to catch potential identity theft early:

• Review your credit reports from all major credit bureaus on a regular basis. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) helps consumers report identity theft and provides access to one free credit report per year. You can request yours at www.ftc.gov.
• Frequently review your bank statements and financial accounts for any unauthorized or unusual transactions.
• Review your ChexSystems report regularly to make sure there are no unfamiliar or suspicious entries tied to your banking history. You can contact ChexSystems at www.chexsystems.com or by calling 800.428.9623.

Setting Up Alerts and Freezes

Enhance your protection with these additional measures:

• Set up fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus to receive notifications of potential fraudulent activity.

• Place a freeze on your credit report with each of the major credit bureaus. Let them know you’ve been a victim of identity theft, and they will guide you through the next steps.

  Contact Numbers:

  • TransUnion: 800.916.8800
  • Equifax: 888.548.7878
  • Experian: 888.397.3742

Responding to Suspicious Activity

If you detect any signs of identity theft:

• Immediately report any suspicious activities or unauthorized accounts to the relevant financial institutions.
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you confirm that identity theft has occurred.
• Promptly investigate any unexpected financial documents or communications about accounts you didn't open.

Additional Protection Methods

Implement these extra steps to further secure your personal information:

• Shred sensitive documents containing personal or financial information before disposing of them.
• Be alert to unexpected mail or communications about financial accounts you don't recognize.
• Regularly update your passwords and avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.