10 steps to prevent identity theft

This guide outlines ten easy actions to take against identity theft, including: refraining from carrying your Social Security card, enhancing account security with strong passwords and updates, countering online threats via firewalls and anti-virus tools, protecting financial data, exercising vigilance against phishing, shredding sensitive papers, staying updated on data breaches, securing your mailbox and choosing dependable tax filing options.

In our digital age, protecting your personal info is a top priority. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, but our guide offers ten steps to shield yourself from identity theft and stay confident amidst tech advances.

Take the following steps to help keep your identity safe throughout the year:

1. Leave your social security card at home.

Leaving your Social Security card at home is a crucial step in safeguarding your identity. Your Social Security number (SSN) is a key target for identity thieves who can use it to file fraudulent tax returns, obtain credit in your name or gain unauthorized access to your sensitive information. Carrying your SSN on you increases the risk of theft or loss. To prevent ID theft, don’t carry any document that contains your SSN.

2. Keep your SSN private.

Keeping your SSN private is critical. Provide your SSN to others only when absolutely necessary. Don’t give it out if a business asks for it over email. Also, check your Social Security Administration earnings statement annually to make sure all of your information is accurate.

3. Make your passwords work for you.

You don’t have to be tech-savvy to help safeguard your accounts from hackers. Start by choosing a strong, unique password for each financial site you use, such as Desert Financial Online Banking or brokerage accounts. Don’t have your computer automatically save passwords, especially on work computers. Change passwords regularly.

4. Protect against computer spam and viruses.

Online identity theft is more prevalent than ever! Take advantage of the security software updates your operating system offers and make it a habit to use a firewall and anti-spam and anti-virus software. Before donating or recycling an old computer, consider using a data-wipe program to make sure nobody can recover your hard drive data. Alternatively, remove the hard drive and have it professionally destroyed.

5. Keep financial information private.

Thieves who can’t hack into your computer for your financial information may try to get your information in other ways. Be wary of providing personal information over the phone or through mail or email. Unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know the person you’re talking to, it’s better just to say no.

6. Beware of phishing.

Phishing is a term for scams that use official-looking emails that seem to come from reputable sources such as the IRS or your financial institution but are actually from thieves seeking personal information such as your SSN, bank account information or passwords. Always be suspicious of this kind of email. The IRS never requests financial or personal information in email communications, and neither do legitimate companies including Desert Financial Credit Union. In addition, the IRS won’t call you to tell you that you owe taxes — they will send you a letter.

7. Shred financial and tax documents.

Thinking like a thief helps you reduce your risk of identity theft. Consider your tax documents, receipts, credit offers received in the mail and financial statements as potential trapdoors that allow entrance into your personal life. If you want to dispose of these financial documents safely, shred them.

8. Keep on top of data breaches.

With so many data breaches making headlines in recent years, it’s more important than ever to safeguard your information and check for fraud. If you are made aware of a data breach that has potentially jeopardized your personal information, the following tips can help minimize the potential impact:

• Thoroughly read through any communication sent to you by the affected company and give serious consideration to their recommended security measures such as credit monitoring and changing passwords.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax). An alert placed on your report through any of the three bureaus will automatically be applied to your report with the remaining two and will remain active for one year. Placing a fraud alert will notify any lender who receives a credit application in your name of the fact that you are a potential identity theft or fraud victim and will spark additional security measures to be taken to positively identify that you are truly the one applying for credit.
• Monitor your bank and financial accounts closely and utilize services such as mobile alerts to notify you of any change to your account balance or transaction activity that may indicate fraud.

9. Lock up your mailbox.

A locking mailbox can prevent someone from checking to see what mail you’ve received. Since letters may contain private financial information, a locking mailbox or P.O. box is just one more way to help prevent identity theft.

10. File your taxes with someone you trust.

Filing taxes alongside a trusted individual, be it a knowledgeable friend, a family member, or a professional tax advisor, adds a layer of accuracy and efficiency. Sharing this responsibility eases stress, helps navigate complexities, and ensures your financial information is in capable hands.