Financial identity theft comes in several common types, each posing unique risks to individuals' financial security:
Fraudulent Account openings or credit applications
Your name and identifying information is used to open a new bank account
Your name and identifying information is used to apply for credit products which are never repaid leaving a mark on your credit bureau
Account takeovers
Unauthorized access to your bank accounts to steal your money
This can be in accounts or on credit cards
Ways that fraudsters steal your identity and how to protect yourself
Computer Viruses/Malware installed on your computer
Never open files without checking their source
Close websites when the browser tells you they're not secure
Do not accept files from people you don't know
Install anti-Virus Software and keep it up to date
Don't use unsecured wifi
Use several secure passwords
Phishing (Emails or text messages that are geared towards tricking you into clicking a link or entering information):
Unknown number advising you that there is suspicious activity on your bank account
Tell you you're getting money
They need to confirm personal information
Want you to reset passwords
Always think before you click or open any attachment. If you're unsure, you can always contact the company directly to confirm.