Ten Tips To Prevent ID Theft

Identity theft occurs when a fraudster steals your personal information, such as your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and uses it to access your funds or apply for loans in your name.

Here are some tips to help prevent your identity from being stolen.

1. Know who you are talking to! Unless you initiate the contact, never give out personal information (such as credit card account numbers, Social Security Numbers, etc.) over the phone, in person or on the Internet.
2. Never give your ATM card and PIN to anyone, for any reason.
3. Shred all personal financial information on printed forms before you discard them. These items include, but are not limited to, credit card statements, credit card and debit card receipts, credit card offers, canceled credit cards, tax returns, bank statements, canceled checks and loan applications.
4. Clean out your wallet, limiting the amount of IDs and credit cards you carry. Do not carry a copy of your Social Security card in your wallet.
5. Report lost or stolen checks and credit or debit cards right away to your financial institution.
6. Use only secure websites. Secure sites start with “https.” Other security indicators vary by the type of browser you use. Most browsers, including Microsoft and Mozilla Firefox, will display a lock icon for secure sites. This lock icon is not just a picture. To see details and get assurance of the site’s security, click or double click the lock icon.
7. Review your monthly financial statements thoroughly to make sure they are correct. Report any suspicious items to your financial institution.
8. Don’t mail bills or sensitive information from your home mailbox. To prevent fraudsters from stealing from your mailbox, use one with a locking door and incoming mail slot. If there is an unexplained interruption in your mail service, contact your local post office right away.
9. Order a free copy of your credit report once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Children are also a target for ID theft, so consider pulling their reports once a year as well. To keep track of your score, you can view your credit score for free on Alliant Online Banking (updated every quarter).*
10. Be careful when clicking on links in an email. If you’re unsure if the site is legitimate, visit the website directly by typing the web address in your browser.

* Your credit score will be updated quarterly. This does not impact your credit rating. Not all members will have a credit score available. You can opt out at the credit score details page on Alliant Online Banking.