How To Avoid Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is the unlawful acquisition and use of someone’s personally identifiable information for fraudulent gain, such as the pursuit of financial services, loans, employment or medical benefits.

Monitor Your Credit

  • Request a "fraud alert" for your credit profile with the major credit bureaus, prompting credit issuers to contact you for validation prior to issuing new accounts.
  • Review your consumer credit report once every year for free via annualcreditreport.com. You can also stagger credit reports from the three main reporting agencies and receive one every four months.
  • Place a security freeze on your credit profile with the major credit bureaus to prevent the unauthorized opening of new accounts by creditors who require a credit score/credit report.
  • Cancel your unused credit cards so the account numbers won't appear on your credit report.

Be Safe on the Internet

  • Be cautious when providing or responding to information via phone or on the internet unless you are the one initiating the contact (even then, be cautious).
  • Whenever possible, use multifactor authentication for your online accounts.
  • If you receive a call asking you to verify information, do not give it by phone. Ask questions and call a published number for that company to report your concerns.
  • Report suspicious activity, such as spam email or texts, when possible. If you suspect you’ve received a fraudulent message that appears to be from PNC, take a screen shot of the message and forward it to abuse@pnc.com. Ask your financial institutions, mail and internet provider if they have similar mailboxes set up where you can report issues on your personal devices.
  • When creating passwords and PINs, do not use any part of your Social Security Number, birth date, middle name, partner's name, child's name, pet's name, address, consecutive numbers or anything that a thief could easily figure out. Memorize your passwords! 
  • When online, use a secure browser that encrypts or scrambles purchase information, and make sure your browser's padlock or key icon is active. 

Protect Your Physical Security

  • When traveling, always keep your computer/devices under your control. Do not leave equipment in the trunk of your car or unattended in public areas.
  • Never leave your purse or wallet unattended – even for a minute.
  • Protect your Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Don't carry them in your wallet!
  • Shield the keypad when using ATMs or when placing calling card calls.

Secure Your Home

  • Secure your personal computer.
  • Shred any documents that contain your personal information.
  • Secure your checkbook and financial information in a locked box at home. Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends. Consider a locking mailbox.
  • Keep a list of all your credit cards and bank accounts along with their account numbers, expiration dates and credit limits, as well as their respective fraud department phone numbers in a safe place.

If You Are A Victim

  • Contact your banks and creditors, by phone and in writing, and report the crime.
  • Contact local authorities and file a police report.
  • Call the fraud units of one of the major credit bureaus:
    • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
    • Innovis: 1-800-540-2505
      Request a “fraud alert” be placed on your credit file, and order copies of your credit report to check whether any fraudulent accounts were opened without your knowledge or consent. If you suspect fraud, issue a security freeze to prevent the opening of new accounts by creditors who require a credit score/credit report.  
  • Go to another computer/device and change your PIN codes and passwords immediately.
  • If you think you may have tax issues because someone has stolen your identity, visit https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams or call 1-800-908-4490.