Identity theft is more common than we’d like to think, and it could happen to anyone. With all the data breaches and scams floating around, it’s likely that your personal information is already out there in the wrong hands. But don’t worry—there are simple, easy steps you can take today to protect yourself from the damage identity theft can cause.
At First Alliance Credit Union, we want to help you keep your financial life safe, so here’s what you can do to stay ahead of identity thieves.
Simply put, identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your permission. This could mean opening up credit cards, applying for loans, or even filing taxes in your name. The worst part? You might not even realize it until the damage is done. It can hurt your credit score, create a mountain of paperwork, and take time to undo.
Unfortunately, identity theft is easy for criminals to pull off. Your information might be exposed in a data breach (like the ones at Equifax or AT&T), or they could use methods like “phishing” or “vishing” to trick you into sharing your personal details. And public Wi-Fi? That’s another easy target for thieves to get to your information.
But don’t let that scare you. There are things you can do to stop this before it happens.
It’s not always easy to know right away that your identity has been stolen, but here are a few signs to look out for:
A significant drop in your credit score – If your score drops without explanation, it could be a sign someone’s opened accounts in your name.
Unusual charges on your bank or credit card statements – Thieves sometimes make small, almost unnoticeable charges first, like $1 or $2, before going for the big stuff.
Tax season surprises – If you go to file your taxes and find that someone has already filed in your name, your identity has likely been stolen.
Press play for Cesar’s quick tips to keep your identity safe.
While you can’t 100% guarantee your info will never be stolen, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself:
Freezing your credit is one of the best ways to prevent anyone from opening new credit in your name. You can do this for free with all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). If you don’t need to open any new credit soon, go ahead and freeze it. It’s a quick and easy step that could save you a lot of trouble down the road.
You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus once a year. Use this to check for any unauthorized accounts or mistakes. If something doesn’t look right, take action as soon as possible.
Set aside a few minutes each month to go over your bank and credit card statements. Even small charges—like $1.50—can be an indication that someone’s testing your card. Catching these charges early can prevent bigger problems later.
Avoid using the same old password for every account. Make sure your passwords are hard to guess and contain a mix of numbers, special characters, and upper/lowercase letters. Better yet, use a password manager to keep track of them securely.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) might seem like a hassle, but it’s an extra layer of protection that makes it much harder for thieves to get into your accounts. Take the time to set it up — it’s worth it!
Be cautious with emails, texts, or phone calls asking for your personal information. Scammers can make things look legitimate, but don’t be fooled. If something feels off, don’t click on links or give away any details. Always contact the company directly through trusted contact info.
If you suspect your identity has been stolen, don’t wait. Here’s what you can do:
Freeze Your Credit – If you haven’t already, freezing your credit with the major bureaus is a quick way to stop any further damage.
Report to the FTC – File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on their website. This will help you get a recovery plan in place.
File a Police Report – While the police might not be able to do much, having a police report will help when you contact businesses about fraudulent activity.
Contact Your Bank or Credit Union – If any of your accounts are affected, call us here at First Alliance Credit Union. We’re here to help you lock down your accounts and guide you through the next steps.
At the end of the day, staying proactive is your best defense. By taking these steps now, you can protect your information and keep your financial life secure. We know it can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help every step of the way. Visit First Alliance Credit Union, if you need assistance, and remember, your financial peace of mind is worth the extra effort. Let’s stay one step ahead of identity theft, together. Stay vigilant and stay safe!