{"id":6658,"date":"2024-07-03T09:07:03","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T14:07:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nrccu.org\/?p=6658"},"modified":"2025-12-05T07:37:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T13:37:01","slug":"identity-theft-protect-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.wafishermn.com\/nrccu\/2024\/07\/03\/identity-theft-protect-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"Identity Theft – Protect Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Protect Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On our blog last week, we talked about the ways identity thieves steal your information and what they might do with it once they get it. Things like using your identity when being arrested or investigated, maxing out your credit cards and taking out new credit in your name, acquiring income in your name, and more. Things that have the potential to be totally financially devastating if not caught early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to identity theft. It\u2019s important to be aware of the possibility and keep it in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guard your cards.<\/strong> Credit\/Debit card fraud is a type of identity theft. This is when someone gains access to your payment card and uses it to make purchases you did not authorize. Be cautious about where you enter your card information online, never make purchases from an untrustworthy or unknown website and never allow websites to \u201cremember\u201d your card number. Do not give your card information over the phone unless you made the call and you know you\u2019re speaking with a trustworthy business. Go paperless when possible for bills and statements and review your statements to verify account activity. Card fraud may not require that you freeze your accounts and file a report with the FTC, but ask your financial institution’s fraud department what they recommend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use credit monitoring services. <\/strong>You can use a paid service for robust monitoring, which might be necessary depending on your financial status or if you operate a business. CreditKarma.com is a great free service that allows you to review your credit report to find if any new accounts have been opened in your name. Report and investigate anything that doesn\u2019t add up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect your phone.<\/strong> If you store personal information in your smart phone, you need to keep your phone locked and secure with passcode, touch ID, or face ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Wi-Fi Aware. <\/strong>Public Wi-Fi is an identity thief\u2019s playground if it is not secure. Make sure the Wi-Fi you\u2019re accessing is the correct network and that it is authenticated. Sign out of all accounts as soon as you are finished. Consider using a VPN when on public Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice good cyber security. <\/strong>Be wary of spammy emails, it\u2019s better to just delete it if it seems suspicious. Stop and think before clicking links. Change your passwords regularly and don\u2019t use the same password over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Identity Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Identity theft is so devastating because many people don’t know they are a victim until they are notified by a financial institution. Do not rely on others to notify you of potential fraud – know what to look for and conduct checkups on your information regularly. Early detection can limit the damage. You may be a victim of identity theft if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n