Protect Yourself and Your Finances

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S., and the impact can be devastating—both financially and emotionally. As your trusted banking partner, we want to help you stay informed and protected. This Identity Theft Awareness Week, let’s take a closer look at what identity theft is, how it happens, and what you can do to safeguard your personal information.

What Is Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information – such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information – without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This can lead to unauthorized transactions, damaged credit, and even long-term financial challenges.

Common Ways Identity Theft Happens

• • Data Breaches: Hackers gain access to personal data stored by businesses or organizations.
  • Mail Theft: Physical documents like bank statements or checks are stolen from mailboxes.
  • Public Wi-Fi Risks: Using unsecured networks can expose your data to cybercriminals.
  • Phishing Emails & Texts: Fraudsters pose as legitimate companies to trick you into sharing sensitive information.

With phishing, sometimes they even pose as bank representatives. Below is an example recently received by a customer. If you respond, the fraudster calls back spoofing the bank’s official phone number, making the call seem more legitimate. Then they trick you into disclosing account numbers or online banking login credentials. Legitimate bank employees will never ask you for your password or debit card PIN.

When reading official-looking messages, pay attention to the details. In this message, the capitalization is unusual, punctuation is missing, and they used poor grammar (authorized instead of authorize).

How You Can Protect Yourself

• • Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Review your bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.
  • Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
  • Be Cautious Online: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
  • Secure Your Devices: Keep your software and antivirus programs up to date.
  • Shred Sensitive Documents: Before discarding, shred papers containing personal information.
  • If in Doubt, Call the Company Directly: If you get a message or letter that you weren’t expecting or doesn’t seem right, call the sender directly using their posted number. Do NOT call the number in the message, as that could be a fraudster.

What to Do If You Suspect Identity Theft

If you believe your identity has been compromised:

1. 1. Contact the Bank Immediately: We can help secure your accounts and protect against further fraud.
   2. Report to the FTC: File a complaint at https://www.identitytheft.gov.
   3. Place Fraud Alerts: Notify credit bureaus to protect your credit profile.

At NDBT, your security is our priority. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us. Together, we can fight identity theft and help keep your financial future safe.