a black glove holding a social security card

Identity Theft


  • Dumpster Diving: Rummaging through garbage to find improperly disposed personal information.    

  • Skimming: Unauthorized devices are placed on ATMs, gas pumps, or POS terminals to extract debit/credit card information.   

  • Phishing/Vishing/Smishing: This is the use of email, text or phone calls that will trick a person into revealing personal information.   

  • Address Changes: Scammer's will divert billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.  

  • Old-Fashioned Stealing: Stealing of wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; preapproved credit offers; and new checks or tax information.     

  • Pretexting: Impersonating a well known person or company such as your financial  institution, utility company,  friend or family member. 
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies along with those where the unauthorized accounts were opened. 
  • File a police report.
  • Change your passwords and PINs.
  • Monitor your mail for items that do not belong to you.
 
  • Never share your personal or banking information unless you are absolutely certain you know the person/company and what they are using it for.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings when giving out or entering in personal or banking information.  
  • Never store your login/password/PINs or Social Security card in your purse or wallet. 
  • Remove credit/debit cards from your purse/wallet that are not frequently used.
  • Be cautious of clicking links sent in emails or text messages.  
  • Protect your Social Media accounts by checking your privacy settings and only connect with those you actually know.
  • Never share any information on Social Media that could be used to answer security questions or help steal your identity. 
  • Frequently change your password and set up multi-factor authentication when offered.
  • Sign up for paperless statements for less printed personal information.  Click here to learn how to enroll in PCB eStatements.,  
  • If you choose to receive physical statements from any company make sure to store securely or properly destroy.
 
  • Do not give out your Social Security Number to those over the phone.
  • Avoid carrying your Social Security card in your purse or wallet. 
  • Refrain from putting your Driver's License number or Social Security Number on checks. 
  • Be cautious of telephone calls or those who try to pressure you into quick decision making. 
  • Be suspicious of anyone that knocks on your door that is offering you home repairs. It is always best to check out anyone with the local Better Business Bureau.
  • Thoroughly check references for in-home caregivers or those providing a service.
  • Always keep your personal and financial documents locked away, along with your checks, credit and debit cards. 
  • File a police report.
  • Contact your financial institutions.
  • Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline : Call 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for support.