Identity Theft & Resources
Identity theft is a serious problem in America. Thieves will get your personal information so they can steal from you and steal from others all the while impersonating you. This means you’re stuck with the mess left behind with answering to bill collectors and clearing your name — not to mention the effect it has on your credit score.
What is personal information?
Your personal information includes your:
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s license
- Date of birth
- Passwords
- Account numbers
Some information by itself is not personal (such as your birthday); however, combined with other information, an identity thief could piece together enough information to impersonate you.
How can thieves get my information?
- Social engineering you by posing as a legitimate company that needs your personal information
- Stealing your mail, wallet, or purse
- Going through your trash
- Computer viruses
- Unsecure websites where you input personal information
- Stealing your personal information from other companies
These are just a few ways. It’s important to always be vigilant to protect your personal information.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Be leery of strange phone calls. Never give your personal information to anyone you cannot verify. Your financial institution, the IRS, and most reputable companies or government agencies will never call unexpectedly to ask for this information. Hang up and call them back using a phone number you can trust like one directly taken from their website.
- Beware of scams in the mail, phony credit card applications and anything asking for your personal information.
- Shred any mail or other paper statements you do not need with your personal information. This includes old bank and credit card statements, and utility bills.
- Pay close attention to your bank and credit card transactions. Log in to online banking or use the Kinecta mobile app to check transactions anytime or look up your statements. Look for unfamiliar withdrawals or credit card charges.
- Visit the Federal Trade Commission for information on receiving a free copy of your credit report once a year. Or sign up for complimentary credit monitoring in online banking or the mobile app.
Quick Resources
- Federal Trade Commission — www.ftc.gov — 877.ID.Theft
- Equifax — www.equifax.com — 1.800.525.6285
- Experian — www.experian.com — 1.888.397.3742
- TransUnion — www.transunion.com — 1.800.888.4213
Need Assistance?
If you suspect your identity may have been stolen, check out our ID Theft Reporting checklist.
To report fraud, suspicious activity, or a lost or stolen card, contact us immediately by calling our Member Contact Center, starting a chat or sending us a message.
Learn More
Learn more about how to protect your money and personal information at our Security Center.