How to Protect Your Financial Identity

National Financial Literacy Month is recognized each April to highlight the importance of financial literacy. Part of maintaining healthy financial habits includes protecting your financial identity. Below are simple steps to keep your personal and financial information safe.

Keep your information private

• Never share your Social Security Number, bank details, PINs, or passwords with unexpected callers or in unexpected or insecure messages.
• Limit personal details on social media; this information can help scammers guess security answers.

Secure your mail and documents

• Enroll in online banking and electronic statements to reduce paper theft.
• Shred financial documents before throwing them away.
• Mail bills at the post office, not from your home mailbox.

Monitor your accounts

• Check your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
• Set up text or email alerts for online purchases or large transactions.
• Report any fraud immediately to your financial institution.

Review your credit

• Get a free credit report every four months at annualcreditreport.com

Protect your devices

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your accounts in case your device is compromised.
• Keep computers and mobile devices updated.
• Use strong, unique passwords - and update them often.
• Lock your phone with a passcode or biometrics.
• Wipe your device before donating, selling, or trading it in.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from scammers. Although no form of protection is absolute, a combination of personal awareness and protective tools will make you as safe as possible.

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