Identity theft is a significant disruption that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Whether you’re managing a local nonprofit, running a small business, or simply looking out for your family’s financial health, protecting your personal information is critical.

Identity Theft Awareness Week serves as an important reminder to review our digital habits and security measures. At Riverland Bank, we believe that empowering our community with knowledge is the best defense against fraud. While we can’t predict every threat, we can certainly prepare for them.

By adopting a proactive mindset and following a few structured steps, you can significantly reduce your risk. We recommend following the “3 D’s” framework of identity theft protection: Deter, Detect, and Defend.

Why Awareness Matters for Our Community

For local business owners and community leaders, the stakes are often higher. Identity thieves don’t just target individuals; they look for vulnerabilities in employee records, business accounts, and community organizations.

When you secure your information, you aren’t just protecting yourself. You are protecting your employees, your customers, and the local economy we all rely on. Taking these steps is a vital part of risk management and ensuring your financial future remains secure.

1. Deter: Stop Thieves Before They Start

The first line of defense is making it as difficult as possible for thieves to access your information. Deterrence is about building habits that safeguard your sensitive data from digital and physical prying eyes.

Safeguard Your Documents

Even in a digital age, physical theft remains a threat. Shred financial documents, bank statements, and credit card offers before you throw them away. If you run a business, ensure you have a secure disposal process for employee records and client information.

Protect Your Social Security Number

Treat your Social Security number as confidential. Do not carry your card in your wallet, and be cautious about where you write it down. If a business or medical provider asks for it, ask why they need it and how they will protect it.

Verify Before You Share

Phishing attacks are sophisticated. If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call asking for personal information, do not respond. Instead, initiate contact yourself using a verified phone number or website. Never click on links in emails from unknown senders.

Strengthen Your Digital Walls

Your technology needs to be as secure as your front door.

• Update Software: Keep firewalls, anti-spyware, and antivirus software up to date on all home and business computers.
• Complex Passwords: Avoid using birthdays or simple sequences. Create strong, unique passwords for every account. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.
• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Ensure your home and business wireless networks are password-protected.

2. Detect: Spotting the Warning Signs

Even with the best deterrence, breaches can happen. The faster you detect suspicious activity, the easier it is to mitigate the damage.

Monitor Your Accounts

Make it a habit to review your financial statements regularly. Look for charges you don’t recognize, no matter how small. Thieves often test stolen card numbers with tiny purchases before making larger ones.

Watch Your Mail

Be aware of your billing cycles. If a regular bill doesn’t arrive, or if you stop receiving mail altogether, it could be a sign that a thief has filed a change of address request in your name. Conversely, receiving credit cards you didn’t apply for or denial letters for credit you didn’t seek are major red flags.

Check Your Credit Reports

Your credit report is a report card of your financial identity. You should inspect it at least once a year to ensure all the accounts listed actually belong to you.

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. You can request yours by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228.

3. Defend: Taking Action When It Matters

If you suspect your identity has been compromised, acting quickly can save you months of headaches. Do not wait to see if the problem goes away. Follow these steps immediately to defend your financial reputation.

Place a Fraud Alert

Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a “Fraud Alert” on your file. This warns creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft and that they should verify your identity before extending credit. You only need to call one bureau; they are required to notify the other two.

• Equifax: 1-888-298-0045
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800

Freeze Your Credit

For stronger protection, consider placing a credit freeze on your report. This action restricts access to your credit file, making it much harder for identity thieves to open new credit accounts in your name. Since most creditors need to view your credit report before approving a new account, a freeze is a powerful way to stop fraud.
A credit freeze will not harm your credit score. If you need to open a new account, you can temporarily lift the freeze. You will be given a password or PIN to use when you need to unfreeze your credit.
To set this up, you must contact each of the three major credit bureaus separately. It is a free service.

• Equifax: 1-888-298-0045
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800

Report the Theft

Filing an official report helps you prove to creditors that you are a victim.

• File a Police Report: Local authorities can provide a report that is often required by banks and creditors to discharge fraudulent debts.
• Contact the FTC: Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. They track these crimes nationwide and help law enforcement investigations. Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and get a personalized recovery plan.

Close Compromised Accounts

Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your consent. Follow up in writing and include copies of your police report or ID Theft Affidavit. Keep detailed records of every person you speak with and every letter you send.

We Are Here to Support You

Navigating the complexities of identity theft can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. As your community banking partner, Riverland Bank is dedicated to helping you secure your financial journey.

Whether you need assistance monitoring your business accounts or advice on setting up safer banking practices for your family, we are here to help. If you believe your Riverland Bank account has been compromised, please contact us immediately so we can assist you in securing your funds.