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Imagine you're enjoying a peaceful morning, sipping on your favorite cup of coffee, when you receive an alert on your phone. It’s a notification about a transaction you didn't make. A chill runs down your spine. You soon learn you've just become a victim of identity theft. This scenario, unfortunately, is all too common in today's digital age. But don’t worry; we’re here to offer some helpful tips you can use to help keep your identity safe against such malicious activities.
1. Strengthen Your Passwords
Think of your passwords as the keys to your home. A weak password is like a flimsy lock on your front door, easily broken by intruders. Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, instead of using "Password123," opt for something like "T!g3rP@ws19!." A password manager can generate and store these complex passwords for you, reducing the risk of reuse and simplifying the process of remembering multiple passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Sometimes, a password isn’t enough, and today’s cyber criminals are better at uncovering your passwords than ever before. Using a Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of identification before granting access to your account. Even if a thief gets hold of your password, they would need the second factor, usually a code sent to your phone or email, to break in.
Many online services, including email providers, banks, and social media platforms, offer 2FA. When setting yours up, you might be asked to link your account to a mobile app like Google Authenticator or receive text messages with verification codes. This additional step significantly enhances your account security by ensuring that a hacker needs more than just your password to gain access. Remember, codes sent to your phone or email should NEVER be shared with others.
3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements. Regular monitoring helps you spot unauthorized transactions quickly. Set up alerts to get notified about any suspicious activity.
We offer real-time alerts with our online and mobile banking that notify you of unusual or large transactions. These alerts can be set up through the Security tab under Settings within digital (online and mobile) banking. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately. Early detection is crucial in minimizing the damage from fraudulent activities.
4. Shred Sensitive Documents
Before discarding documents containing personal information, shred them to prevent dumpster divers from retrieving your data. This includes bank statements, bills, and any paperwork with your Social Security number.
Regularly shredding documents like credit card offers, old bank statements, and expired identification can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft as it makes it much harder for anyone to reconstruct the documents.
5. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed
Stay updated on the latest scams and identity theft techniques. Knowledge is power, and being aware of potential threats can help you avoid them.
Follow reliable sources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and our security knowledge base for updates on new scams and security practices. Also, make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram and are subscribed to our monthly newsletters, as we often share information related to cybersecurity, identity theft, and more security tips to keep your information safe.
By incorporating these actions, you're taking proactive steps to safeguard your identity and financial well-being. While no one can completely eliminate the risk of identity theft, being vigilant and informed significantly reduces your chances of falling victim.