Identity (ID) Theft Protection - Bank of America Privacy & Security

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Help protect yourself from Identity theft

Identity (ID) theft

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully gains access to your personal information and uses it in some way that involves fraud and deception.

ID theft can happen to anyone but taking these steps will help reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

Keep your personal information secure

Never give out your personal information via email, text or to an unsolicited caller.
Switch to paperless statements and shred documents, such as tax forms, bank statements and medical bills that contain sensitive information.
Avoid carrying your Social Security Number in your wallet and give it out only when necessary.
Don't overshare on social media, and use privacy controls so that personal information is not made public.
Discuss internet safety with your children, and prevent them from sharing information online without your permission.

Monitor your accounts and credit reports

Regularly review bank statements to ensure there's no unauthorized transactions on the accounts.
Review your credit reports and look for any accounts that you didn't open.
Consider freezing your credit with all three bureaus to help limit access to your credit reports and prevent unauthorized new accounts from being opened using your information.

Protect your devices

Keep all of your devices updated with the latest browser, operating system and antivirus software.
Secure your devices and home Wi-Fi network with a unique password of at least eight characters.
Enable biometrics such as fingerprint sign-on, and retina or facial recognition where available.

Control access to your accounts

Create a strong password for each of your accounts, and never reuse the same password on multiple websites.
Use multifactor authentication to add an extra layer of protection when signing into your accounts.
Activate account alerts to help you monitor your finances and keep your accounts safe. See how to manage your alerts.
Make sure your phone number and email address are up to date on your financial accounts so you can be contacted if anything looks suspicious.
Consider using a digital wallet on your phone which is a fast, secure way to make in-store, in-app or online purchases. Learn how to enroll in a digital wallet.
Take all these actions by logging into Mobile or Online Banking Security Center (link) and checking your security level. You'll see it rise as you take the actions and help protect your accounts against fraud.

Knowledge is a powerful defense against fraud and we’re here to help you stay informed. Want to learn more? Here are additional resources we think you may find helpful and want to explore.

Identity theft

Help protect yourself from Identity theft

Help protect yourself from Identity theft

Identity (ID) theft

Together, we have the power to fight fraud