Making Cents of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that uses your personal information to commit fraud -  at your expense. In our modern, technological world, we need to be more vigilant and aware than ever.

The methods used by thieves to get your information are on the rise and getting more sophisticated every day. Here are a few things to look out for as you keep yourself safe:

SKIMMERS
Skimmers are devices which are placed on ATMs, and secretly swipe your debit or credit card information. 

PHISHING
Phishing, is when a scammer pretends to be your financial institution, or a company you do business with, and tricks you into divulging your information.   

MAIL FRAUD
Less sophisticated methods include stealing your mail, or doing a change of address request so billing statements go elsewhere.

Keep an eye out for your whole family as fraudsters have begun targeting children through online video game services. They may persuade minors to divulge information, through chat or text.
  
You are your own best defense against fraud. Avoid becoming the victim of ID theft by being proactive. Never give out personal information to unsolicited calls or email. Review statements regularly and place mobile or email alerts on credit cards. Ascentra Credit Union offers an amazing service to help you control your credit cards and even shut them off and on yourself when you suspect fraud. Learn more about CardValet on our Credit Cards page.

Always be sure to lock computers, laptops, and all your mobile devices. These devices contain a lot of sensitive information and passwords protect you even if they fall into the wrong hands.

To see more videos of our monthly financial education segments like this one, head to our YouTube channel.