Who is at risk?
True or False: Identity theft only happens online.
False: Identity theft can occur offline as well, such as through stolen mail, discarded paperwork, or lost wallets. Online breaches are just one avenue.
Strong passwords are enough to protect you.
Fact: While strong passwords help, identity theft can also involve data breaches, phishing scams, or physical theft. Comprehensive vigilance is necessary.
Social Security numbers are the only key to identity theft.
Identity thieves can exploit other personal information, such as driver's licenses, medical records, or even utility bills, to commit fraud.
True/False: Carrying a balance on your credit card helps your credit score.
False. Paying your credit cards on time helps your score. When possible, becoming debt-free is the ultimate goal.
True or False: Only adults need to worry about identity theft.
Children's identities are also at risk. Fraudsters often target minors' Social Security numbers because they usually have clean credit histories, which can go undetected for years.
What are some password creation tips?
Symbols. Upper & lower case. 12 characters or more.
Driver's license or medical insurance.
What first step can be taken if fraud activity is suspected.
Contact your financial institutions and the credit bureaus and put a credit freeze on your accounts.
True or False: You’ll know immediately if your identity is stolen.
Fact: Many victims don’t discover the theft until they see unauthorized charges, receive unexpected bills, or find discrepancies on their credit report.
True/False: Using a strong password for all online accounts is safe.
False: Siloing passwords is the best risk management method.
Name one ID card NOT safe to keep your wallet.
Birth certificate or Social Security.
Name 3 credit reporting agencies.
Transunion. Experian. Equifax.
True or false: The identities of the dead are safe.
Fact: Obituaries, death certificates, or online genealogy databases, are used to open new credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, or access other financial services in the deceased person's name, often referred to as "ghosting" or "ghost fraud."
True/False: Forgetting your password can permanently lock you out of your account.
False. If you have a recovery email address and/or cell number linked to your account you can recover your account access.
True or false: Birth certificates or social security cards are viewable online
False.
True/False: Checking your credit status using one of the 3 credit bureaus hurts your credit score?
False.
True/False. People who are incarcerated are safe from identity theft.
False. Criminals in jail are often targets for identity theft because they lack easy access to monitor their financial accounts while incarcerated, making it easier for others to use their personal information to open new credit lines, make purchases, or access benefits without their knowledge.
True/False: Celebrating my birthday on social media is safe.
False: Theives can use that date to begin to steal your identity.
What type of credit score check will hurt your score?
Hard inquiry, usually made when applying for a loan. But this is temporary and your score will recover quickly.