Saturday marked the start of National Protect Your Identity Week. At MVSB, we recognize how important it is to keep your personal information just that – personal. Here are some tips to help you protect your identity:
Monitor Your Credit!
Checking your credit isn’t just about knowing your score. Monitoring this regularly can help you pinpoint fraudulent activity. If something on your credit report doesn’t seem quite right, call the company to find out what’s going on. To check your credit without charge or obligation, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
Keep Your Anti-Virus Updated!
Before entering any personal or financial information, always make sure the computer or mobile access device you are using is equipped with a reputable, and updated anti-virus program, firewall, and that you have installed the latest security updates for your operating system and any applications you use.
Choose Complex Passwords!
When entering or storing personal or financial information online, always make sure it is protected by a unique and complex password that includes letters, numbers and characters. Passwords should also never contain personal information about you that could easily be guessed.
Read Your Credit Card and Bank Statements Carefully and Often!
Doing so can help you identify any fraudulent charges quickly.
Know Your Payment Due Dates!
If a bill doesn’t show up when you expect it, look in to it. These statements include large amounts of personal information that could be potentially dangerous in the wrong person’s hands.
Don’t Forget to Shred!
Be sure to shred any unneeded or unwanted paperwork that includes personal or financial information.
If you have reason to believe that your personal information has been compromised and that you are a victim of identity theft, please be sure to reach out to each of your financial institutions so that they can properly monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity.
Stay tuned for more National Protect Your Identity Week updates on our Facebook Page.
