While no one can prevent every possible risk, a few proactive steps can help protect your online accounts and make unusual activity easier to identify. The information below is provided as a general resource, to provide you with resources for steps on how to protect your information, and what to do if you identify something suspicious or anomalous.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for your:
- Email accounts
- Banking and financial accounts
- Credit card accounts
- Social media accounts
- Online shopping accounts
- Any other accounts that use or store your personal information
Avoid reusing passwords across multiple websites.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Whenever available, enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your online accounts. MFA provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification before access is granted.
If you have MFA enabled on your accounts or devices and receive a request for authorization that you did not initiate, this may be an indicator that your password has been compromised and you should not accept the request.
3. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Regularly review your:
- Bank accounts
- Credit card statements
- Loan accounts
- Investment accounts
Watch for transaction or account changes that you do not recognize. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your financial institution.
4. Monitor Your Credit Reports
Carefully review your reports for:
- Accounts you do not recognize
- Incorrect personal information
- Unauthorized credit inquiries
- Other unfamiliar activity
You can also obtain free credit reports from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies. To obtain a free annual credit report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com.
5. Verify Requests for Information
Cybercriminals often use fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls to obtain personal or financial information. If you are unsure about a message, contact the person or organization separately using contact information you already know is legitimate.
Remember:
- Do not click links in unexpected or suspicious messages
- Do not open attachments that you were not expecting
- Do not share passwords or verification codes
- Be cautious if someone pressures you to act immediately or send money
- Verify requests for sensitive information before responding
Additional Tools and Resources
You can obtain more information on tips to protect yourself from the following resources.
1. Understanding Your Options
If you believe your personal information has been used without your authorization, taking action early can help limit further misuse and protect your accounts. You may also wish to consider the following steps:
- Contact your bank, credit card company, financial institution, or other organization associated with the activity to report any unauthorized transaction or account changes.
- Change the passwords for any impacted accounts and enable multifactor authentication, if available.
- Review your credit reports for new accounts, credit inquiries, or other activity you do not recognize.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports, if appropriate.
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov and report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- File a police report, if appropriate.
2. Place a Fraud Alert
A fraud alert asks creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Fraud alerts are free and last for one year.
You only need to contact ONE of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies. That agency will notify the other two.
Equifax
Experian
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com
TransUnion
1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com
3. Freeze Your Credit
A security freeze (also known as a credit freeze) generally prevents prospective creditors from accessing your credit report. Because most lenders will not open a new account without reviewing your credit report, a freeze can make it much more difficult for someone to open new accounts in your name.
A credit freeze is free and does not affect your credit score. To freeze your credit, you must contact each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies listed above. Keep in mind that when you place the freeze, you will not be able to borrow money, obtain instant credit, or get a new credit card until you temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze. You may temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze at any time.
4. Additional Resources
If you believe your personal information has been used without your authorization, visit IdentityTheft.gov. The website provides information about reporting identity theft and creating a personalized plan based on your situation.
You can also contact the Identity Theft Clearinghouse at the Federal Trade Commission for additional resources and guidance on protecting yourself from identity theft: consumer.ftc.gov, 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338), TTY: 1-866-653-4261.