Tips To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious problem that is only getting worse. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were more than 16 million victims of identity theft in 2017, and that number is expected to rise in the years to come. Identity theft can lead to many problems, including financial loss, damage to your credit score, and even legal trouble. Protecting yourself from identity theft is not as difficult as it may seem, but it does require some effort and vigilance. This blog post will give you some tips on protecting personal information in 2022.

Keep Your Personal Information Safe

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to remember that your personal information is personal. Keep your Social Security number, credit card information, and bank account numbers safe and secure. Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet, and shred any documents that have your personal information before you throw them away.

Be Aware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they’re only getting better at tricking people into giving up their personal information. Be aware of the signs of a phishing scam, such as unsolicited emails or calls from someone claiming to be from a bank or government agency. Never give out your personal information unless you are sure you know who you are dealing with.

Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Strong passwords are essential for keeping your personal information safe. Choose passwords that are at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s also a good idea to use two-factor authentication whenever possible. In addition to your password, you’ll need a second piece of information—such as a code sent to your phone—to log into your account.

Keep An Eye on Your Credit Report

Identity thieves can do a lot of damage by opening new accounts in your name and running up a bill. One way to catch this early is to check your credit report periodically for any suspicious activity. You’re entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every year, so take advantage of that.

Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Statements

Identity thieves can also make changes to your existing accounts. So, it’s important to keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact your bank or credit card company. Ensure you authenticate any charges by logging in to your account through the official website rather than clicking on a link in an email.

Bottomline

Identity theft is a serious problem that OUR Credit Union company is well-equipped to help members protect themselves from. In addition to the tips provided in this blog post, OUR Credit Union offers several products and services to safeguard your personal information, including credit monitoring, Identity Theft Protection, and fraud detection. We encourage all our members to take advantage of these services to help protect themselves from identity theft.