Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but taking a few proactive steps can go a long way in protecting your financial information and your identity. Gain advice in the Tech Tip included in each issue of Partners, and follow these six steps to help reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft.

1. Secure Your Accounts

Your accounts are often the first target for criminals, making strong account security essential.

• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), starting with your email account, then your financial, payment, tax, and retirement accounts.
• Use a unique password for every account.
• Store passwords in a reputable password manager instead of reusing or writing them down.
• Regularly review your email forwarding settings, inbox rules, recovery information, connected apps, and devices with account access.

2. Watch Your Money

Monitoring your accounts frequently can help you spot fraud before it becomes a larger problem.

• Enable alerts for account logins, profile changes, card transactions, transfers, checks, and new payees.
• Review account activity regularly.
• Use card-lock features and transaction controls when available through your financial institution.

3. Pause and Verify

Scammers often rely on urgency and deception to pressure victims into acting quickly.

• Do not trust caller ID alone or click unexpected links in emails or text messages.
• Verify requests by calling a known phone number or using an organization’s official website or app.
• Confirm any changes to payment instructions or recipient information using previously established contact information.
• Use payment apps only with people you know and trust.

4. Protect Your Identity

Identity thieves can use stolen personal information to open accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, or commit other crimes.

• Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to make it harder for criminals to open accounts in your name.
• Review your credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Consider requesting an IRS Identity Protection PIN for additional tax security.
• Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly, especially on social media.

5. Secure Your Devices, Mail, and Checks

Fraud prevention extends beyond online accounts.

• Turn on automatic software updates for computers, tablets, and smartphones.
• Secure devices with a PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
• Retrieve mail promptly and mail checks from secure USPS locations whenever possible.
• Review cleared-check images for signs of alteration or fraud.
• Avoid conducting sensitive financial activities on public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, use your cellular connection or a trusted VPN.

6. Act Immediately if You Suspect Fraud

Quick action can significantly reduce the impact of fraud.

• Contact your financial institution and local law enforcement using trusted phone numbers.
• Lock affected cards or accounts.
• Change compromised passwords, beginning with your email account.
• Save and preserve emails, text messages, receipts, and other evidence.
• Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov and online financial crimes at IC3.gov.

By making these six steps part of your routine, you can strengthen your defenses against scammers and better protect your finances, identity, and peace of mind.

 

To view the rest of 2026 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.