Identity Theft

Identity Theft Quiz
Keep track of your points as you answer these five questions, and find out if you're at risk or if you're on the right track.

Question 1: Where do you keep your Social Security card?
[ ] In my wallet or my purse (1 point)
[ ] In a secure area (0 points)

If an identity thief gets ahold of your Social Security number, they can use it to get other personal information about you and then commit financial fraud by applying for credit in your name. The Social Security Administration advises:

"Show your card to your employer when you start a job so your records are correct. Provide your Social Security number to your financial institution(s) for tax reporting purposes. Keep your card and any other document that shows your Social Security number on it in a safe place. DO NOT routinely carry your card or other documents that display your number."

Question 2: When you need to mail a check, where do you put the envelope?
[ ] In my home mailbox (1 point)
[ ] I drop it off at the Post Office or in a U.S. Mailbox (0 points)
[ ] I never write checks! I do everything through secure online connections! (0 points)

While you may be paying most of your bills electronically or via online bill pay (at least we hope you are!), there are still some instances when you need to mail a check. When that time comes, do not mail that check from your home mailbox. Instead, drop it off at your local Post Office or U.S. Mailbox. Mail theft is extremely common, and if someone steals your mail (and your check), they can change the recipient name or amount quite easily.

Question 3: Do your passwords contain at least one letter, number and special character?
[ ] Yes (0 points)
[ ] No (1 point)

In today's high-tech world, we need passwords for everything. And, since remembering all of those passwords can be a challenge, many of make it easy on ourselves by using our birthdate, our mother's maiden name, or something else easy like "1234" as our password. However, this doesn't just make it easy for us - it makes it easy for identity thieves to hack your accounts and steal your information.

Question 4: Have you ever clicked on a link sent to you via text messages or within unsolicited emails?
[ ] Yes (1 point)
[ ] No (0 points)

Identity thievery moves just as fast as technology. Early on, identity thieves were primarily trying to trick you through phone calls. Then they started sending you emails. Now they're sending you texts.

Bottom line, never click on links within unsolicited emails or text messages. Even if the email, message or link looks legit, criminals can use fake email addresses or make fake web pages to mimic the page you would expect.

In a recent interview on Anderson, Robert Siciliano, Identity Theft Expert and Consultant warns against text fraud called "smishing" and states:

If you click on the infected link, the downloaded software allows a "bad guy" to remotely control your phone -- from anywhere in the world. That scammer can even use your phone to access your banking information and even monitor ambient sounds around you.

Question 5: Do you regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit card bills AND get a copy of your credit report at least once a year?
[ ] Yes (0 points)
[ ] No (1 point)

According to the FTC, early detection of an identity theft can make a big difference. Routinely check your accounts and statements to make sure that you can account for all of the transactions. And, if you see something suspicious, contact your financial institution or credit card company immediately.

As for your credit report, every American is entitled to one free credit report each year - take advantage of it! Review it carefully and make sure that your personal information is accurate and that there aren't any debts that you can't explain.

Now it's time to tally up your score:

0 Points: You've been extra conscientious about keeping your personal information secure - congratulations!

1-2 Points: You're doing a pretty good job but have some room for improvement. We hope that you take our suggestions to heart, and we also invite you to visit our website and read more about how you can keep yourself safe.

3-5 Points: You are engaging in behaviors that are putting you at a great risk for identity theft.

For more articles on financial topics and trends as well as additional ways to protect yourself against identity theft, visit Connexus Credit Union's blog at http://www.connexuscu.org/.

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