Identity

• Secure your Social Security number (SSN). Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give out your SSN when necessary.
• Don't share personal information (birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account number) because someone asks for it.
• Collect mail every day. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days.
• Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.
• Review your credit card and bank account statements. Compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.
• Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards. This can prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.
• Store personal information in a safe place.
• Install firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.
• Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases
• Review your credit reports once a year. Be certain that they don't include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from Annualcreditreport.com.
• Freeze your credit files with Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion for free. Credit freezes prevent someone from applying for and getting approval for a credit account or utility services in your name.
• We've partnered with IdentityIQ services to offer $1 million in identity theft insurance, dark web monitoring, real-time fraud, Social Security alerts, and much more. Rates beginning at only $4.99 per month for members of StagePoint. Click for more info.