Identity Theft Prevention | 3 minute read

Identity theft is a type of fraud where someone uses your personal information to carry out illegal activities. These activities may include withdrawing funds from your bank account, applying for loans or credit cards, or even getting a job in your name. Some common signs of identity theft include:

  • Unauthorized withdrawals from your account
  • Bills for unfamiliar debt or failure to receive bills
  • Suspicious charges on your account
  • New accounts or loans you didn’t apply for
  • Being denied credit unexpectedly
  • The IRS notifying you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don't work for
  • Important documents or bills stop arriving, indicating that your mail was redirected
  • Unexpected debt collection calls or notices for debts you do not owe

Best practices to prevent identity theft

  • Review your credit report frequently and carefully by requesting a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from www.annualcreditreport.com
  • Download your bank's app and allow push alerts for more secure communication about your accounts. Review and respond to alerts promptly. Keep your contact information, especially your cell phone number and email address, current. Turn on location services when making a purchase or signing in and allow location-based anti-fraud and security permissions.
  • Create complex passwords and PINs not easily associated with you, memorize them, and use multi-factor authentication (for example, a password plus a one-time authorization code) when available each time you log in to Online or Mobile Banking. Use a strong, unique password for each
    of your accounts.
  • Only download software or applications from well-known and trusted
    sources.
  • Stay current with any operating system and software updates (sometimes called patches or service packs) for your computer and your internet browser.
  • Never click on suspicious links in text messages or emails
  • Prevent dumpster diving by shredding sensitive documents
  • Do not respond to unsolicited emails, calls, and texts asking for personal
    information
  • Practice caution while using public WiFi and secure your home network with
    a strong password and encryption
  • Consider freezing your credit to prevent a new unauthorized account from being opened in your name
  • Protect your mobile devices by setting up PINs and biometric locks

What to do if your identity is compromised

  • 1. Contact your financial institutions and creditors

    -  Speak with the fraud department and explain that someone has stolen your identity.
    -  Request to close or freeze any accounts that may have been tampered with or fraudulently established.
    -  Make sure to change your online login credentials, passwords

  • 2. Check your credit reports and place a fraud alert on them

    -  Receive a free copy of your credit report when you visit annualcreditreport.com or call 877.322.8228.
    -  Review your credit report to ensure that unauthorized accounts are not opened in your name.
    -  Report any fraudulent accounts to the appropriate financial institutions.
    -  Place a fraud alert on your credit bureau by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. That company must tell the other two.
              - Experian: 888.397.3742 or experian.com
              - TransUnion: 800.680.7289 or transunion.com
              - Equifax: 888.766.0008 or equifax.com

  • 3. Contact ChexSystems

    Call 888.478.6536 to place a security alert on the compromised checking and savings accounts when a deposit account has been impacted.

  • 4. Contact the Federal Trade Commission

    Visit ftc.gov/idtheft or call 877.438.4338 to report an identity theft incident.

  • 5. File a report with your local law enforcement

    Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others who may require proof of the crime.

  • 6. Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center

    File a complaint or report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) via their website if you believe you have fallen victim to cybercrime  

  • 7. Replace Stolen Identification

    -  If your driver's license has been stolen, please contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to report and replace it.
    -  To report a stolen Social Security card, please contact the Office of the Inspector General at 800.772.1213.
    -  For a stolen passport, the theft should be reported to the Department of State either by visiting their website by mail or by phone at 877.487.2778.