What to Know About Identity Theft
Identity theft can happen to anyone, and it often starts with stolen personal or financial information. Knowing how identity theft happens, what warning signs to watch for, and where to get help can make it easier to protect your information and respond quickly if something goes wrong.
Use this guide as a quick reference to understand identity theft, recognize possible warning signs, take preventive steps, and find trusted resources if you need to report a problem.
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission.
Identity thieves may use stolen information—such as your name, address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number, or medical insurance account numbers—to do things like:
- Make purchases with your credit cards
- Open new credit cards in your name
- Open phone, electric, or gas accounts in your name
- Steal your tax refund
- Apply for a job
- Get medical care
- Use your name if they are arrested
How to Know if Someone Stole Your Identity
Identity theft is easier to address when you catch it early. Watch for these warning signs:
- Track your bills. A missing bill may mean someone changed your billing address.
- Review your charges. Unfamiliar purchases or unexpected bills may signal identity theft.
- Check your account statements. Watch for withdrawals or transfers you did not make.
- Review your credit reports. You can check your credit report for free every week from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.
- Monitor your credit. UECU members can use SAVVYMONEY Credit Score to view their credit report and receive free credit monitoring alerts through UECU Online and Mobile Banking.
How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Place a credit freeze on your credit reports. A credit freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your credit report, which helps stop someone from opening a new credit account in your name. It is free to place and lift. To place a freeze, contact each of the three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. If you suspect fraud, you can place a free, one-year fraud alert. A fraud alert tells businesses to contact you before opening a new account in your name. To place one, contact any one of the three credit bureaus; that bureau must notify the other two.
Protect documents that contain personal information. Store financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards, and other sensitive documents in a safe place. Shred documents before throwing them away or block out account numbers with a marker. If you don’t have a paper shredder, attend a local shred event. UECU is hosting shred events on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 1-4 PM at our Stroudsburg and Wyomissing locations to provide secure document disposal. Visit our events page for more information. When possible, remove mail promptly from your mailbox and consider switching to electronic statements to help reduce mail theft and excess paper.
Ask questions before you give out your Social Security number. Some organizations, such as the IRS, your credit union or bank, and your employer, may need your Social Security number to identify you. However, they will not call, email, or text you unexpectedly to ask for it. If someone does, it may be a scam. Before sharing your Social Security number with any organization, ask:
- Why do you need it?
- How will you protect it?
- Can you use another identifier?
- Can you use only the last four digits?
If you are not satisfied with the answers, do not share your Social Security number.
Protect your information online and on your phone. Scammers may try to reach you by email, text, phone, or fake websites. These steps can help reduce your risk:
- Use strong passwords. Create unique passwords for your online accounts.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. Use it whenever available to add another layer of protection.
- Do not share personal information unexpectedly. Be cautious if someone contacts you by phone, email, or text and asks for sensitive information.
Take our free online course: Identity Theft, Fraud, and Scams. UECU has partnered with GreenPath Financial Wellness to provide unlimited access to LearningLab+, a free education portal with on-demand courses. The Identity Theft, Fraud, and Scams course is short, self-paced, and designed to help you understand risks, spot warning signs, and take practical steps to protect yourself. Registration is quick and easy.
How to Report Identity Theft and Get Help
If you think someone stole your identity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission as soon as possible. You’ll receive a free personal recovery plan with next steps based on your situation.
- Report in English: Visit IdentityTheft.gov.
- Report in Spanish: Visit Robodeldentidad.gov.
- Report in another language: Call 877-438-4338 and press 3. Interpreters are available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Sources and Additional Resources
Source: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, “What to Know About Identity Theft,” September 2024. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft.
Additional UECU Resource: For fraud prevention tips and member resources, visit uecu.org/fraudprevention/.
