Identity theft is a real threat, not only to organizations but to the innocent, often vulnerable, people they impersonate – and our digital age means fraudsters are able to obtain, share and misuse personal and sensitive information at ever-increasing speed and volume.
Identity Theft Awareness Week serves as an important reminder to stay vigilant. Both individuals and businesses can take proactive steps to defend against threats. Awareness, smart habits, and quick action are essential when it comes to protecting your personal information.
Tips for Consumers
- Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
- Regularly check your financial statements and credit reports for any unusual activity.
- Be cautious when sharing personal information in public places or over the phone.
- Always keep your wallet, identification, and other sensitive documents secure and out of sight in public spaces.
- Properly shred sensitive documents before discarding them.
- Report lost or stolen identification, credit cards, or checks immediately.
Tips for Businesses
- Train employees to recognize and avoid phishing scams and other cyber threats.
- Adopt secure protocols for storing and accessing sensitive data.
- Encourage employees to lock up sensitive paperwork and restrict access to confidential areas.
- Require strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
- Monitor both digital and physical spaces for anything out of the ordinary, such as unauthorized visitors.
- Establish a clear plan for responding to identity theft incidents.
Identity Theft Checklist
For a comprehensive guide to protecting yourself, access our Identity Theft Checklist here .
Reporting Suspicious Activity
If you spot a scam or notice suspicious activity, report it right away. SmartBank is here to help:
- Client Services: 1.866.290.2554
- Email: ReportFraud@smartbank.com
Also report to law enforcement:
- Your local police department
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov