Quiz: Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft

Online transactions are generally considered more secure than using paper checks, because mail theft is a growing problem. Checks not only often include personal information, criminals can “wash” the stolen checks and direct the money to themselves.

The caller could be an identity thief aiming to steal your account or personal information — or it could be a legitimate call. To find out, call the bank directly (don’t use the number the caller used).

The federal Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) and other experts recommend checking your credit score with the three nationwide credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — at least once a year. Doing so is free.  

Two-factor authentication makes your account more secure by requiring, for example, a one-time code sent to your mobile phone, along with your password.

Malware, unwanted software that gets installed on your device, allows criminals to steal your information and often interferes with the computer’s functioning.