The document discusses identity theft, its common sources, and how individuals can protect themselves, emphasizing the importance of monitoring personal information and credit reports. It highlights key statistics about public misconceptions, smartphone security, and medical identity theft. Practical tips for safeguarding personal data, including password management, observing signs of theft, and steps to take if one becomes a victim, are also provided.

1. #CreditChat
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Featuring: @Rod_Griffin and @Frostbe

2. Join our #CreditChat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. This week,
we talked about the important topic of protecting your
identity.“ Check Out All the Tweets and Resources:
ex.pn/idtheft

3. How does identity theft happen? Any common ways?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

4. Phishing, skimming and hacking seem to be some of the more
prevalent sources for identity theft.
Tweet by @LeslieHTayneEsq
#CreditChat

5. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam. The email
offering a “free” security scan for instance.
Tweet by @NatlJumpStart
#CreditChat

6. It’s important to think about digital and
Tweet by @Frostbe
physical risks to your identity.
#CreditChat

7. Startling Findings and Misconceptions
- 29% of survey respondents say they felt safe because thieves
only want wealthy people’s identities.
- 32% say they believe that their chances of getting their
identities stolen are small.
- 42% feel it would be very difficult for someone to steal their
identity.
- 42% feel it’s too much of a hassle to worry about securing their
identity.
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Source: 2014 PMID Cyber Security Survey

8. What are signs you might be a victim of identity theft?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

9. Items on your credit reports that aren’t yours. Ending up with
zero balances in your bank accounts.
Tweet by @DebbiKing
#CreditChat

10. If your very young child starts getting financial offers, calls,
marketing in his/her name, it could be a bad sign.
Tweet by @NatlJumpStart
#CreditChat

11. One place you can spot identity theft is your credit report.
That’s one reason it’s so important to check it often.
Tweet by @RAHomes
#CreditChat

12. How can we do a better job of protecting our
personal information?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

13. Smartphone Security Stats
- 3 in 10 smartphones are not password protected.
- 41% of smartphones are not enabled for remote tracking and
wiping.
- 22% of survey respondents report that they read mobile-app
privacy statements before downloading them.
- ⅓ of consumers and (48% of millennials) say they feel
comfortable sharing their passwords with others.
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Source: 2014 PMID Cyber Security Survey

14. Do not use the same login or password for your financial
institution on any other website or software.
Tweet by @SouthStateBank
#CreditChat

15. Shred any important documents before disposing of them.
Educate yourself on how to avoid phishing scams.
Tweet by @LeslieHTayneEsq
#CreditChat

16. It’s important to take the lead in protecting your personal
information. Check your credit reports and statements regularly.
Tweet by @Frostbe
#CreditChat

17. Protect yourself by changing your passwords every 30 days
and do not repeat passwords from before.
Tweet by @BahiyahShabazz
#CreditChat

18. How does medical identity theft happen?
How do we know if we’re victims?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

19. Medical identity theft happens when the thief uses your medical
identity information to access medical goods or services.
Tweet by @Frostbe
#CreditChat

20. Medical #idtheft happens the same way credit id theft happens:
data breaches, dumpster diving, etc. They use the same info.
Tweet by @WelshKristy
#CreditChat

21. Just as with any theft, you should question any statements
from doctors and hospitals that you receive.
Tweet by @BahiyahShabazz
#CreditChat

22. What are ways we can protect our children
from identity theft?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

23. Protect your kids’ info as you would your own.
SSN, DOB, etc are tools for ID thieves.
Tweet by @NatlJumpStart
#CreditChat

24. Educate them on the importance of keeping strong passwords
and what information they should NEVER share online.
Tweet by @LeslieHTayneEsq
#CreditChat

25. How can checking credit reports regularly help us
identify identity theft?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

26. Consistent monitoring can help catch minute changes that can
be indicators of ID theft such as address changes, etc.
Tweet by @yesiamcheap
#CreditChat

27. Reacting quickly is key. Identity monitoring alerts you to
potential fraud and lets you respond.
Tweet by @Frostbe
#CreditChat

28. What should you do if you are a victim
of identity theft?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

29. How to Respond to Identity Theft
1. Add a 90-day fraud alert to your credit report.
2. Review your credit report.
3. File an identity theft report with your local police
department.
4. Notify your financial institution.
5. Notify the credit bureaus to resolve fraudulent activity on
your credit report
6. Add a 7-year fraud victim alert to your
credit report.
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

30. What’s the difference between a credit freeze
and fraud alert? What’s better?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

31. Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze
Fraud Alert: A fraud alert is a cautionary flag. It notifies
lenders to take precautions to check your identity before
extending credit.
Credit Freeze: A freeze is a more serious step. It prevents
lenders and others access to your credit report. They can’t
extend credit.
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Source: @LeslieHTayneEsq

32. Any final tips to help protect us from identity theft?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

33. Pay attention. There are many great resources available
to help, but you need to be vigilant.
Tweet by @NatlJumpStart
#CreditChat

34. Know that you’re ultimately responsible for safeguarding
your info. Be selective in sharing. Review your credit reports.
Tweet by @FacingFinances
#CreditChat

35. #CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Check out all the resources and tips shared:
ex.pn/idtheft

36. #CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Join Us Every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
bit.ly/join-creditchat

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