Safeguarding Your Personal and Financial Information Against Fraud

Protecting your personal and financial information is an important part of maintaining your financial security. Fraudsters often seek sensitive information before attempting to access accounts, commit identity theft, or impersonate trusted individuals and organizations.

Understanding which details are most valuable to scammers can help you identify potential threats and reduce your risk of financial fraud.

Before disclosing personal information online, over the phone, or through email, consider:

Have I verified the identity of the individual or organization requesting this information?

The following are five common types of information fraudsters target and steps you can take to protect them.

Online Banking Credentials

Usernames and passwords provide access to sensitive financial accounts. Fraudsters may attempt to obtain these credentials through phishing emails, fraudulent websites, or deceptive messages. Your bank will never request your online banking password through email, text message, or an unsolicited phone call.

One-Time Authentication Codes

Verification codes provide an additional layer of account security. Criminals may attempt to obtain these codes to bypass authentication measures and gain unauthorized access. Never disclose a one-time security code to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Social Security Numbers and Account Information

Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other identifying information can be used to facilitate identity theft or financial fraud. Only disclose these details when necessary and after independently verifying the recipient.

Security Question Responses

Answers to common security questions may be accessible through publicly available information or social media. Consider using unique responses that cannot easily be researched or predicted.

Personal Information Shared Online

Publicly available details, including birthdates, addresses, travel plans, and family relationships, can be used to develop convincing fraudulent communications. Review your privacy settings and exercise caution when sharing personal information online.

Verify Before You Share

If you receive an unexpected request for sensitive information, avoid responding immediately. Contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or official website to confirm the request is legitimate.