Identity theft can happen to anyone, but taking precautions can help protect you, said Katie Harper, Community Education Coordinator at Ohio’s Office of the Attorney General. Speaking at WIN on March 18, she outlined types of identity theft, warning signs, and prevention strategies.
Harper emphasized proactive security measures, advising against sharing personal details with unknown contacts. She recommended securing sensitive documents, shredding personal papers, and never carrying a Social Security card in a wallet. Strong passwords – at least 15 characters long – should be updated regularly, and two-factor authentication can enhance security. Monitoring financial statements is key to detecting fraud early, noted Harper. Setting up account alerts and checking bank and credit card statements regularly can help catch suspicious activity. Online safety is also crucial – Harper urged attendees to keep devices updated, use antivirus software, and avoid entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
Mail theft is another risk; she advised checking mail frequently and avoiding unsecured mailboxes for outgoing checks. Suspicious credit report activity, missing bills, or unexplained debt collection calls can signal identity theft.
Tara Irby, who attended the session, explained that she’s had her debt card skimmed three times. She said, “I like knowing there is a place that I can go to help me if I have a problem that I can’t take care of.”
If identity theft occurs, Harper recommended reviewing credit reports, filing a police report, and placing a fraud alert on credit files. She encouraged attendees to check their credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. For assistance, contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or call 800-282-0515.
By staying vigilant, you can reduce your risk and protect your financial well-being.