Identity Theft: How to Prevent & How to Rectify
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.
MU UPSILON OMEGA CHAPTER
March 18, 2022
Identity Theft:
How to Protect & How to Rectify
As we continue to build our economic legacy, we must be prepared to protect it. This article focuses on ensuring the safety of our personal and private information from individuals looking to utilize our identity as well as what to do in the event we fall victim to the act of Identity Theft.
What is Identity Theft? It is the fraudulent activity of using someone's personal and private identifying information, in most case, for financial gain.
There are many ways that an individual can fall victim to these acquisitions ranging from tax identity theft to medical identity theft. However, the focus of this article is the most common form of identity theft: Financial.
How Can Identity Theft Occur? There are various ways your identity can be stolen. With online services being so prevalent in today's society, hijackers can gain personal information via hacking bank information, social media pages, even email accounts. Make sure to be vigilant of phishing emails containing virus imbedded links as well as individuals inquiring about personal information via phone or emails. To learn more about scams pertaining to online apps, read our article: Beware of Money App Scams!
Although virtual identity theft is prevalent, do not forget about your personal information that you physically hold on to, like your wallet or purse. Ensure that your sensitive information such as social security cards, birth certificates, passports, and unused credits cards are secured in a safe location. This will prevent individuals from stealing tangible information that can be used to steal your identity.
What to do if Identity Theft Occurs?
In the unfortunate event that you fall victim to identity theft, you may want to consider the following:
Notify Companies
If the crime involved an account you hold, notify the company so the appropriate actions can initiate.
Report the Incident
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) helps identity theft victims report fraud and identity theft, create a recovery plan, and notifies the correct entities on their behalf.
File a Police Report
If you are aware of the person who committed identity theft, filing a police report may be a good option for you.
Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
Freeze Credit
Freezing your credit when you are not anticipating to open a new line of credit in the near future prevents others from using it without your knowledge and consent.
Review Accounts
It is good habit to periodically check your credit statements, bank statements, and credit reports for suspicious activity.
Collect Mail
Make sure to collect your mail from your mailbox and shred unwanted and sensitive pieces of mail. If you plan on being away, have the post office hold your mail for that duration. This can prevent individuals from picking up your mail without your consent.
Create a Strong Password
Use a password that is not easily hackable and change your password regularly to avoid being hacked. Make sure to not include personal information in your password such as social security numbers, birthdays, initials, or part of your name.
Identity Protection Services
Utilizing protection services lowers your chance of falling victim to identity theft. The following companies were voted Best Identity Protection Services of 2022.
For more information on how to choose the best identity theft protection, read Best Identity Theft Protection Services of 2022.
Brought to you by:
Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter
Target III Committee
Telisha Martin, Chair
Shelby Lucas, Co-Chair
Judith Alford-Lightsey
Mechelle Caldwell
Cynthia Cooper
Sandra Cummings
Dale George-Harris
Debbra Livingston
Dorothy McKinzie
Faye McKnight
Sarah Richardson
*This post contains links that may redirect you to outside webpages and references.
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