Protect Your Credit: How to Spot and Stop Identity Theft

National Credit Education Month makes it the perfect time to check in on your financial health. Your credit score impacts everything from loan approvals to interest rates—and unfortunately, it can also be a target for fraud. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes, with millions of people falling victim each year. But by staying informed and proactive, you can protect yourself.

Identity Theft: What You Need to Know

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information—like your Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account info—to commit fraud. It can lead to drained accounts, unauthorized credit cards or loans in your name, or even damage to your credit score.

Common Signs of Identity Theft

Not sure if you've been targeted? Here are some red flags:

• Unfamiliar transactions on your bank or credit card statements
• New accounts opened in your name that you don’t recognize
• Bills or credit statements missing from your mailbox (could be mail theft)
• Debt collectors calling about accounts you didn’t open
• Sudden drops in your credit score without explanation

If you notice any of these, act fast! The sooner you catch fraud, the easier it is to stop.

How to Check & Protect Your Credit

Being proactive can help keep your identity safe. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check Your Credit Reports

You’re entitled to a free credit report from each major bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them for errors or suspicious activity.

2. Set Up Credit Monitoring

A good credit monitoring service will alert you to changes in your credit report, helping you catch fraud early. Our SavvyMoney Credit Score tool gives you free access to your credit score and report—plus alerts if anything changes.

3. Use ID Theft Protection

If identity theft happens, recovery can be time-consuming and stressful. Our Perks Accounts offer ID theft protection, helping you monitor, detect, and even recover from fraud with expert support.

4. Freeze or Lock Your Credit If Needed

If you suspect fraud, you can place a credit freeze (free) or credit lock (more flexible) with the bureaus to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

5. Stay Vigilant with Your Information

• Use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive data
• Shred documents with personal info before discarding them

Stay Secure & Stay in Control

Your credit is one of your most valuable financial tools—protecting it should be a top priority. By staying informed and using tools like SavvyMoney Credit Monitoring and our Perks Account ID theft protection, you can safeguard your identity and your financial future.

Need help getting started? Log in to online banking to check your credit score with SavvyMoney or explore our Perks Accounts today!