How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud

Identity theft and fraud are serious issues, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Here's a quick guide on how to keep your personal information safe.

1. Know What Identity Theft Is

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal info, like your Social Security number or credit card details, to commit fraud. This could mean unauthorized purchases, loans, or even criminal acts in your name.

2. Keep Your Personal Info Safe

• Be Careful with What You Share: Think twice before posting personal details online, like your address or birthday.
• Use Unique & Strong Passwords: Create passwords that are hard to guess by mixing letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t use old passwords or the same password for different logins.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

3. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts

• Check Your Account: Regularly go through your Security Bank and credit card statements to spot any unfamiliar transactions. We recommend online banking!
• Review Your Credit Report: Get a free credit report from the three major bureaus yearly and check for anything suspicious.
  • Equifax – 1-800-349-9960
  • Experian – 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion – 1-888-909-8872

4. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

Phishing scams try to trick you into giving away your personal info through fake emails, texts, or calls.

• Verify Before You Click: Double-check the sender's email or phone number if something seems off.
• Don't Share Sensitive Info: Legit companies won’t ask for your passwords or Social Security number via email or phone.

5. Protect Your Devices

• Install Antivirus Software: Keep your devices secure with up-to-date antivirus protection.
• Use Secure Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. If you must, use a VPN to secure your connection.
• Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update your operating system and apps to stay protected.

6. Secure Your Mail

• Get a Locked Mailbox: Use a locked mailbox to keep your mail safe from thieves.
• Go Paperless: Opt for electronic statements to reduce the risk of mail theft.
  • To change from Security Bank USA accounts from paper to electronic statements all you’ll need to do is message us through online banking, requesting us to change ALL accounts to paperless.

7. Shred Sensitive Documents

Before throwing away documents with personal info, like bank statements or medical records, shred them to prevent identity theft.

8. Act Fast if Something’s Wrong

If you suspect identity theft, don’t wait:

• Contact Security Bank or Your Credit Card Company: Report any unauthorized transactions right away.
• Place a Fraud Alert: Get in touch with one of the credit bureaus to put a fraud alert on your credit report.
• File a Report: Report the issue to the police and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.

Final Thoughts

Identity theft and fraud are scary, but by staying alert and taking these steps, you can protect yourself. Share this knowledge with friends and family, and always be cautious with your personal info. Better safe than sorry!