Protecting your family’s personal information is just as important as protecting your home or health. Identity theft can happen to anyone, but knowing the signs of identity theft can help you catch problems early and respond with confidence.
Whether you’re helping a teenager open a first account, supporting aging parents, or managing your own finances, a few simple habits can help protect everyone in your household. Here’s what to watch for and what to do if something doesn’t seem right.
1. Suspicious activity in your financial accounts
An unfamiliar purchase is often the first sign that something isn’t right. While a charge you don’t recognize should always get your attention, it’s not the only warning sign of identity theft.
What thieves do | What you might notice |
Open new accounts | – Credit applications are denied – Debt collectors contact you – Accounts or bills you do not recognize appear on your credit report |
Use existing accounts | Unfamiliar withdrawals or purchases appear on your statements |
Take over existing accounts | – Bills stop arriving – You can’t log in to your accounts |
Commit tax fraud | The IRS says a tax return was already filed in your name or reports income from an employer you never worked for |
A common question we hear is: Can someone steal your identity without your Social Security number?
The answer? Yes.
While your Social Security number is valuable to criminals, it’s not the only information they can use. Stolen account numbers, passwords, email addresses, or other personal information may be enough to commit certain types of fraud. That’s why protecting all of your personal information matters.
2. Medical billing problems
Medical identity theft can affect every member of the family, from children to older adults. Many healthcare providers now ask for photo identification because they’re working to prevent this type of fraud.
Watch for these warning signs.
- A medical bill or Explanation of Benefits for care you never received.
- Your insurance company says you reached your benefit limit unexpectedly.
- A diagnosis, treatment, or prescription appears in your medical record that you do not recognize.
If you notice any of these issues, contact your healthcare provider and insurance company as soon as possible.
3. Data breach notifications
Receiving a data breach notification can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t always mean someone has stolen your identity. It does mean you should take a few extra steps to protect yourself.
If you receive a notice:
- Read it carefully to understand what information was exposed.
- If free credit monitoring is offered, review the details to confirm it comes from a legitimate source before enrolling.
- Check your credit report regularly. To request a free copy of all three of your reports, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
What are the “three Ds” of identity theft?
One simple way to remember the best practices to protect your identity is the three Ds: deter, detect, and defend. These habits can help every member of your family build stronger financial confidence, including older children and teens who are beginning to manage their own finances.
Deter
Protecting your personal information starts with everyday habits.
- Opt out of unwanted mail and register eligible phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Protect sensitive information by shredding important documents, using strong passwords, and being thoughtful about the personal information you share online or over the phone.
- Consider placing a credit freeze on your credit reports to help prevent someone from opening new accounts in your name. You can temporarily lift the freeze whenever you need to apply for credit.
Detect
Even strong security habits can’t eliminate every risk. Reviewing your information regularly helps you spot problems before they become bigger ones.
- Review your account statements and healthcare records on a regular basis.
- Know when your bills normally arrive and follow up if one is missing.
- Check your credit reports each year or use credit monitoring if it’s available to you.
Defend
If you notice signs of identity theft, acting quickly can help limit the impact.
- Contact your financial institutions immediately if you believe your accounts have been compromised.
- If someone opened an account in your name, contact that company to begin the dispute process and ask what documentation you will need.
- Report fraudulent information to the appropriate credit bureau if inaccurate accounts or debts appear on your credit report.
- File official reports, save copies of your documentation, and keep records of every conversation until the issue is resolved.
If something feels off, trust your instincts
Learning how to deter, detect, and defend against identity theft can help you protect your finances and the people you care about. The sooner you recognize the signs of identity theft, the sooner you can take steps to protect your accounts and your financial future.
If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and act quickly. You don’t have to navigate identity theft alone. SECU members have access to fraud protection resources, free credit monitoring, and knowledgeable team members who can answer questions and help you take the next step. Contact our team today to learn more about the resources available to help protect you and your family.
