How To Protect Yourself

Do You Frequently Shop or Conduct Business Online?

If you use email or spend time on the Internet, you are vulnerable to identity theft. When your computer's connected, it's a powerful tool for accessing information, financial offers, entertainment, and services, and more - but it also leaves you open to online scammers and identity thieves.

• Place hard-to-guess passwords on your bank, credit card, phone, and shopping accounts. Avoid using info like your Social Security number, birth date, mother's maiden name, or a common word from the dictionary. Combine letters, numbers, and special characters to create a strong password.
• Never share your credit card or personal information with a business unless you already know and trust them. Don't do business with companies that don't list their names, street addresses, or telephone numbers.
• Do not follow a link in an email from someone who claims to be your bank or credit card provider. It's possible an identity thief is waiting at a fake site on the other end hoping to "phish" your username and password.