This document provides 5 tips for safeguarding personal information that could be targeted by identity thieves: 1) Shred documents with personal information before throwing them out; 2) Use passwords and locks on phones and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities; 3) Shield PIN entries and use unique, hard-to-guess PINs for each card; 4) Monitor for mail tampering and use locked mailboxes; 5) Keep computer software and apps updated, be wary of suspicious emails, and limit oversharing personal details on social media. The tips are aimed at protecting common "identity theft jackpots" and enabling consumers to foil identity theft.

1. “Your logo could be here instead!”
CREDIT UNION
YOUR
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Foiling
IDENTITY THEFT

2. Identity theft is the fastest-growing
non-violent crime in North America.

3. Learn to safeguard
YOUR INFORMATION

4. 5
5
Identity Theft Jackpots
(and how you can safeguard against them)

5. 1 Your
Trash Can

6. 1
Shred anything that has your
full name and address before
you throw it out, including:
• Envelopes
• Bank statements
• Expired credit cards
• Cellphone bills
• ATM receipts
• Paycheck stubs

7. Your
Phone
2
enter passcode

8. 2
enter passcode
Have a password-protected
lock on your home screen.
Take advantage of available
features, like location tracking
or remote wipe.

9. 2
enter passcode
Public Wi-Fi networks
are not secure.
Avoid checking your bank
accounts or doing your
online shopping at the
coffee shop, airport or
other Wi-Fi hotspot.

10. 2
enter passcode
Don’t store sensitive
information on your phone.
Avoid storing passwords or
login information in note-
taking apps.

11. The
PIN Pad
3

12. 3 Keep your card in sight at
all times.
Use your hand to block the
buttons when entering
your PIN.

13. 3
Choose a good PIN:
• Avoid PINs derived from
your birthday or address
• Avoid easy-to-guess PINs,
like “1234” or “0000”
• Use different PINs for
each card
• Your ATM PIN should
be different from your
phone unlock number

14. Your
Mailbox
4

15. 4Memorize your billing cycles.
If you suddenly stop receiving
mail, it could be a sign of mail
tampering or an illegal change
of address.

16. 4Lock it up.
Use a mailbox with a lock to
deter identity thieves.

17. Your
Computer
5
TRUSTED SI
T
E

18. 5
TRUSTED SI
T
E
Keep your software
up-to-date, including:
• Operating system
• Anti-virus
• App updates
• Spam filters

19. 5
TRUSTED SI
T
E
Look out for sketchy emails:
• Suspicious password
reset requests
• Requests for personal
information or money
• Unexpected deliveries or
tracking numbers

20. 5
TRUSTED SI
T
E
Don’t overshare:
• Is your birthday and year
listed on Facebook?
• Can your Instagram
followers tell when you’re
out of the house for long
periods of time?
• Think before you post

21. Sources: Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Justice
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