Financial Wellness

Tips on Avoiding Physical & Digital Theft

Law enforcement around the nation warn the public to stay vigilant and aware of theft…in-person and online. Whether you shop at a grocery store or online retailer, protect your personal belongings and information.

Be aware of pickpocket and distraction theft.

Stick figure woman with a shopping bag. A pickpocket burglar sneaking behind to steal.

While new scams continue to come out, the way you think about safety and security — both online and offline — has not changed at all.

  • Keep an eye on your wallet, purse and cell phone.
  • Place your wallet in a zipped compartment.
  • Place your wallet in a front rather than back pocket.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and acknowledge people around you.
  • Keep credit and debit cards within sight at all times.
  • Do not share any PINs and cover the keypad when entering codes.

Protect yourself online. Stay informed of fraud trends.

Stick figure data thief running carrying bag full of ones and zeros.

Continue taking precautionary steps to protect your identity online too.

  • Use strong, unique passwords. Re-using passwords compromises all accounts that use the password.
  • Shop on secure websites. Look for an address that starts with “https.”
  • Do not access personal information on public wifi. Free wifi access at coffee shops, libraries, stadiums, and other locations is not secure.
  • Update cell phones, tablets and computers with the latest software versions.

Do Not Get Scammed

Never share your account passwords with anyone.

Scammers will pressure you to provide personal and financial information, including online account and banking credentials, claiming they need it “to send you money.” Keep your account, debit and credit card numbers private.

Be vigilant of scam trends, such as call center fraud and romance scams.

  • Call Center Fraud: Criminals operate illegal call centers, impersonating government agencies or tech/customer support teams. They pressure you to make payments by transferring money to accounts controlled by the scammers. The scammer may also justify granting access to your accounts.
  • Romance Scams: Fraudsters create fake online identities to build trust and emotional connections with victims. Once they establish trust, they can manipulate you to send money under false pretenses.

Learn more on avoiding scams, fraud, and identity theft by reading more about Scam Awareness & Cyber Security.