ID Theft Tips

Identity thieves are constantly finding new ways to steal personal and financial information. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your identity and reduce your risk of fraud.

Monitor Your Financial Records

Review your bank and credit card statements regularly and report any unauthorized transactions as soon as possible. It is also important to know when your statements typically arrive so you can quickly recognize if one is missing.

You should also review your credit reports regularly for unfamiliar accounts, incorrect information or late payments you do not recognize. If you find inaccurate information, contact the appropriate credit bureau to dispute it.

Protect Your Information at Home

Keep sensitive information, including financial and medical records, organized and stored securely. Consider using a locking file cabinet or another secure storage option.

Before disposing of documents containing personal information, shred or otherwise destroy them. This includes old financial documents, unused checks, expired credit cards and unwanted credit offers.

Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls asking for personal or account information. If someone claims to represent a company you do business with, end the call and contact the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. Remember that caller ID information can be spoofed.

Protect Your Mail

Retrieve your mail promptly and avoid leaving it in your mailbox overnight or while you are away. If you regularly receive sensitive documents through the mail, you may want to consider using a P.O. Box.

You can also reduce the number of unsolicited pre-approved credit offers you receive by opting out through the official prescreen opt-out service.

Protect Yourself While Traveling

Take only the identification, credit cards and other personal information you need for your trip. Keep important items such as travel documents, payment cards and prescription medications secure while you are away.

Consider keeping separate copies of important identification and travel documents in case the originals are lost or stolen.

Protect Your Wallet

Avoid carrying your Social Security card unless it is absolutely necessary, and never keep passwords or PINs in your wallet.

Keep a separate record of the cards and important documents you carry, along with contact information for the financial institutions or card issuers you may need to contact if your wallet is lost or stolen.

Protect Your Computer and Online Accounts

Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for personal information, and avoid clicking unfamiliar links or opening unexpected attachments.

Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts rather than using the same password everywhere. Keep antivirus and security software up to date, and regularly review your accounts through Digital Banking to watch for suspicious activity.