ID Theft
Everyone is vulnerable to identity theft.
Identity (ID) theft is a crime where a thief steals your personal information to commit fraud. The thief might fraudulently apply for credit, file taxes, or get medical services which can damage your credit, and cost you time and money to restore your good name.
You can use these tips from the NCUA to help prevent falling victim to identity theft.
Make sure to get a copy of your credit report!
Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the 3 credit reporting companies. You can request any or all, in one centralized place, by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. Be sure to review account activity thoroughly on your report. If you notice any suspicious activity or accounts you don’t recognize, you may be the victim of identity theft.
Worried you may have become a victim of ID theft? Review these warning signs.
Have you become a victim of identity theft? Ok, don’t panic. We have the resources you need to help you report the theft and move forward.
STEP 1:
You should place an initial fraud alert on your file as soon as you suspect you might be a victim of identity theft. Contact one of the three credit bureaus listed below. It doesn’t matter which company you contact first as they are each required to contact the others to report theft.
STEP 2:
Visit annualcreditreport.com to pull a copy of your report for review. Thoroughly examine your report and make note of any accounts or transactions you don’t recognize. This will help you report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
STEP 3:
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. This resource makes it easy to report and recover from identity theft.
STEP 4:
Contact us too so we’re aware of the theft and the action steps taken thus far.
If you’re interested in enhanced protection against identity theft, you can enroll in a protection plan from IDShield.