A Combination Lock And A Credit Card On A Computer Keyboard Representing Identity Theft Prevention.

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

As activities like banking and shopping move predominately to online platforms, it’s important to be more mindful of the security risks involved, like identity theft. While you may not think you are at risk, nearly 10% of Americans have been a victim of identity theft. This makes prevention more important than ever, as many people may not be aware that their identity has been stolen. Below, the personal bankers at Citizens Bank offer advice and suggestions on how to keep yourself safe in Tennessee. 

What is Identity Theft?

When one illegally uses another individual’s personal information, like their Social Security number or banking information, without their permission, this is known as identity theft. Some common activities done through identity theft include: 

  • Opening new bank or credit card accounts
  • Making purchases in another person’s name
  • Assuming another’s identity for fraudulent purposes

Depending on how their information was used, victims of identity theft may experience financial losses from unauthorized purchases, damage to their credit history, and even legal issues if their identity was used to commit a crime.

Causes of Identity Theft

Access to information is the main cause of identity theft. This can occur through various methods, including: 

  • Phishing emails
  • Data breaches
  • Mail theft
  • Lost wallets or credit cards 
  • Dumpster diving for carelessly discarded documents

Because identity theft can happen in a variety of ways, safeguarding one’s personal information, either online or offline, is critical when it comes to prevention. 

How to Prevent Identity Theft

While you may know that you need to protect yourself from identity theft, you may not be sure how. Below, our fraud prevention experts share some tips you can use to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft and other similar crimes.  

1. Safeguard Your Information

As identity thieves need access to your information, safeguarding it can protect you from becoming a victim. To do this, do not share your social security number or other personal information unless absolutely necessary. 

Also, use strong passwords for online accounts with your bank or other services you access. Avoid conducting financial or other important business on public Wi-Fi so that your information cannot be accessed digitally. 

When disposing of documents or old credit cards, be sure to destroy them before discarding them. This way, there is less of a chance that identity thieves will be able to find your information in a recycling bin or dumpster. 

2. Monitor Your Credit

By law, you are entitled to one free credit report per year. Along with giving you your credit score, this report can help you detect suspicious activity like new accounts being opened in your name or unauthorized purchases. 

3. Review Bank Statements Regularly

As a member of Citizens Bank, you get a monthly statement of all transactions that have occurred in your bank account over the past month. Reviewing these statements can help you detect unusual transactions that show up. If you spot this type of activity, you can promptly follow up with the bank. 

What to Do if Your Identity Has Been Stolen

Despite your best prevention efforts, you may still end up becoming a victim of identity theft. While this can be a stressful situation, there are some steps you can take to ease your mind and mitigate the situation. These include:

  • Filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  
  • Reviewing your credit reports for any suspicious activity
  • Contacting your bank and credit card company
  • Placing a fraud alert on your credit report

If you are a member of Citizens Bank, our team is available to assist you as you navigate the next steps after your identity has been stolen. Contact us if you notice any unusual or suspicious activity on either your banking or credit card accounts with us, and we will work with you to resolve the issue. 

Prevent Identity Theft in Tennessee With Citizens Bank

Preventing identity theft goes beyond just safeguarding your information. Citizens Bank can help you protect yourself from threats like fraud and identity theft through the various benefits we offer our members. 

To get started today, contact us online, call (615) 327-9787, or visit us in Nashville or Memphis. Our fraud prevention experts would be happy to help you shop, bank, and live more safely both online and in real life.

Identity Theft Protection in Tennessee From Citizens Bank

With so many threats out there, like fraud and identity theft, you may not know how to protect yourself. Citizens Bank can help you create a plan to keep yourself safe, including helping you monitor account activity. We offer account monitoring and fraud prevention options for both our credit card and bank accounts.

To learn more, contact us online, call us at (615) 327-9787, or visit one of our branches in Nashville or Memphis today. We can help you explore your options for keeping your information safe from identity theives and other risks. It’s part of our commitment to supporting our members and their financial well-being.

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