Page 7 - WVFCU: Community Connection: Sprint 2021

Prevent Identity Theft

Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself from identity theft:
• Secure your Social Security number (SSN). Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give out your SSN when necessary.
• Don’t share personal information (birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account number) because someone asks for it.
• Collect mail every day. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days.
• Pay attention to your billing cycles . If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.
• Use the security features on your mobile phone.
• Update sharing and firewall settings when you’re on a public wi-fi network. Use a virtual private network (VPN) , if you use public wi-fi.
• Review your credit card and bank account statements. Compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized
transactions.
• Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards. This can prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your
personal information.
• Store personal information in a safe place.
• Install firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.

• Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a
breach of its databases
• Review your credit reports once a year. Be certain that they don’t include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free
from Annualcreditreport.com.
• Freeze your credit files with Equifax, Experian, Innovis, TransUnion, and the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities
Exchange for free. Credit freezes prevent someone from applying for and getting approval for a credit account or utility services in
your name.
Report Identity Theft

Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338

VOL. 7 | SPRING 2021 | ISSUE 2 PAGE 7