Keep your mail safe
Criminals often steal mail in order to perpetrate fraud. Collect mail promptly from your mailbox. Ask the post office to hold your mail while you are away or on vacation. Send all mail correspondence that contains personal or financial information from the post office or a secure, public mailbox. Many financial institutions offer the ability to opt out of paper statements. Enroll in SECU e-statements.
Stay safe online
There are many online threats such as phishing, malware, etc. Do not send sensitive information via email such as a credit card or other financial information. Make sure you are on a secure website when providing personal information online. The website address bar will show “https” and often has a padlock icon. Use complex passwords that contain letters, numbers, and symbols. Install firewall, anti-virus, and spyware protection on your computer. Keep them updated especially if you use internet services from a public router. Do not use a public computer when accessing your personal accounts or conducting financial transactions online. Make sure your home wireless router is encrypted and password protected. When selling items online, watch out for real-looking fake checks and money orders. Be wary of overpayments or endorsed checks. Never wire excess payments back to the buyer or someone else.
Out of sight, out of mind
Fraud is often committed by the people you come in contact with on a daily basis. Avoid leaving personal information in common areas at home, work, or school where your records may be exposed to anyone who can access the space (e.g. kitchen counter or desk). Memorize or securely store your PINs and passwords. Do not leave them in your wallet or on your desk. Shred or destroy unused financial solicitations, credit card applications, and other financial documents such as credit card and ATM receipts. Shred or erase hard drives from copiers, printers, and computers that may hold confidential information.
Know your audience
Avoid giving personal information out in a public place. You never know who is listening. Do not give personal information to anyone via phone, text message, or online unless you initiated contact and you trust the recipient. Beware of imposters and always verify the individual’s identity.
Credit cards & rewards cards
Safely store a list of your credit card account numbers and phone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Sign credit cards in permanent ink as soon as you receive them. If you applied for credit, watch for the arrival of the new card. Contact the creditor immediately if you do not receive the new card within the expected time frame. If you keep grocery or department store rewards cards on your key chain, do not label them with your name and address.
Proactive steps
The NC Attorney General’s Office recommends that you place a security freeze on your credit report. The security freeze prevents an identity thief from opening a new account or obtaining credit in your name. Each credit bureau has different requirements. Contact the Attorney General’s Office at https://ncdoj.gov/protecting-consumers/identity-theft or call (877) 566-7226 (toll free within NC) for additional details. If you apply for credit while the security freeze is active, contact the credit bureaus to temporarily release the freeze.
Monitor your information
Pay attention to your billing cycles and make sure you receive your financial statements on time. Notify the companies immediately if you have not received your statement in the appropriate time frame. Review your financial statements monthly and report any discrepancies immediately. Obtain a free credit report annually from each credit-reporting agency by calling (877) 322-8228 or visiting annualcreditreport.com. It is recommended that you stagger credit reports every four months so that your report is reviewed throughout the year rather than just once a year.
