Protecting Your Identity

Scam artists are constantly trying new methods to steal personal and business account information. We urge all of our clients and friends to be vigilant when sharing personal data and provide you with this information to help you identify and avoid fraud.

Steps you can take to protect your personal information:

1. Periodically change your account passwords, especially if you think your identity has been compromised - use random combinations of letters, numbers and special characters and do not use the same password on all of your accounts
2. Turn multi-factor authentication (MFA) on if it is offered
3. Review your bank and financial accounts and, if you identify any unauthorized transactions, immediately notify your bank about the transactions. Also advise financial institutions if your information was taken in a data breach.
4. Order and review your credit reports at www.annualcreditreport.com - you may order a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from each of the three major reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
5. Place a Credit Freeze on your credit file or add a Fraud Alert - A credit freeze will prevent third parties from accessing your credit report. You may place or lift a credit freeze at any time free of charge. However, it may take several days to lift a freeze. Freezes must be placed individually with each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A credit freeze does not hurt your credit score. A fraud alert adds a notice to new lenders to take extra precautions when verifying credit applications. A fraud alert typically lasts for one year. If you place a fraud alert with TransUnion, they will automatically notify Equifax and Experian.
6. Opt out of prescreened or preapproved credit card and insurance offers: optoutprescreen.com
7. Monitor your Social Security account - Set up an account: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ and keep your computers, tablets and mobile devices up to date with the latest operating systems and software. Apply updates and patches when they are issued.

How to identify scams:

1. Never click on links or attachments in an unexpected email even if it looks like it is from a legitimate source.
2. Be wary of unsolicited calls and do not share personal information such as social security, Medicare, or account numbers with callers, via text messages or online.
3. Do not give your personal information to anyone who says they are from the government and want to help you collect your benefits.
4. Do not be pressured by fundraising calls or emails to make immediate donations. Take your time to research the organizations or call us for assistance, if you like.

If you think you are the victim of identity theft:

1. Notify your bank and financial institutions.
2. Contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
3. Contact your state Attorney General’s office.
4. Contact your local police department.
5. Place a Credit Freeze on your credit file or add a Fraud Alert. A credit freeze will prevent third parties from accessing your credit report. You may place or lift a credit freeze at any time free of charge. However, it may take several days to lift a freeze. Freezes must be placed individually with each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A fraud alert adds a notice to new lenders to take extra precautions when verifying credit applications. A fraud alert typically lasts for one year. If you place a fraud alert with TransUnion, they will automatically notify Equifax and Experian.
6. Talk to your tax preparer about filing a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit with the Internal Revenue Service – in most cases there is no need to file the form.

Additional Resources:

• Fair Credit Reporting Act outlines your rights under the FCRA
• IdentityTheft.gov is the official Federal Trade Commission website to report identity theft
• IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit for fraudulently filed tax returns
• IRS Identity Protection: Prevention, Detection and Victim Assistance
• Social Security Administration set up an account
• www.annualcreditreport.com to order a free credit report
• Equifax, PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374, www.equifax.com, 1-800-685-1111
• Experian, PO Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013, www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion, PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016, www.transunion.com, 1-800-916-8800