Cómo detectar, evitar y denunciar el robo de identidad

• Making unauthorized purchases with your credit cards
• Opening new credit cards in your name
• Setting up utilities (like electricity or gas accounts) under your name
• Getting a job by pretending to be you
• Stealing your tax refund
• Using your health insurance to receive medical care
• Even impersonating you if they’re arrested!

How Will I Know If Someone Has Stolen My Identity?

It can be difficult to notice that your identity has been stolen right away, but there are certain signs you should watch out for. Here are some clues that someone might be using your information without your consent:

1. Review Your Bills: Do you see charges for items you didn’t purchase? If your bills are showing unfamiliar purchases or services, this could be a red flag.
2. Check Your Bank Statements: Are there withdrawals or transfers you didn’t make? Changes you didn’t expect? If your account activity seems suspicious, it might be time to investigate further.
3. Monitor Your Mail: Did you stop receiving a bill you usually get? Did you get a bill for an account you didn’t open, or a letter from an employer you don’t recognize? These could all be signs that someone else is using your personal information.
4. Get Your Credit Report: Check your credit report for any unfamiliar accounts or activity. You’re entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus. You can request your report by visiting Informe de crédito anual.com or calling 877-322-8228.

How Can I Protect Myself from Identity Theft?

While identity theft can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to lessen the chance of it happening to you. Here’s how you can protect your personal information:

1. Keep Personal Documents Safe: Store official documents like your birth certificate, Social Security card, and financial statements in a secure place. Avoid leaving them out in places where they could be accessed by others. Also, be sure to shred any documents that contain sensitive information before discarding them.
2. Be Cautious with Your Social Security Number: Never share your Social Security number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from trusted organizations like the Social Security Administration, IRS, or your bank. Scammers often pretend to be representatives from these institutions in an attempt to steal your information.
3. Protect Your Information Online and On Your Phone: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and change them regularly. Set up multi-factor authentication when available, so even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account without an additional verification step, like a code sent to your phone.
4. Review Your Bills Regularly: Watch for any unfamiliar charges or unexpected bills that might indicate identity theft. If you see anything unusual, take action quickly to stop further fraud from occurring.

What to Do If You Think You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

If you suspect your identity has been stolen, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are a few steps to take immediately:

• Report it to your financial institution and credit card companies: Notify your financial institutions and request that any unauthorized transactions be investigated. They can help freeze accounts or issue new cards if necessary.
• File a police report: In some cases, you may need to file a police report, especially if your identity has been used to commit crimes or open accounts in your name.
• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit, so no one can open new accounts in your name.
• Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. This site provides a recovery plan and helps you track your steps to resolve the issue.

Identity theft is a serious and growing problem, but by staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk. Always protect your personal information and be proactive about monitoring your financial accounts. If you notice any signs of unauthorized activity, act quickly to minimize the potential damage. At Patriot Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your financial health—stay aware, stay protected, and take action if you think your identity is at risk. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 888-777-9982.