The Farm Credit Corner

Identity theft is defined as all crimes against individuals where personal and financial data is illegally obtained by fraud or deception, usually for financial gain.

Once identity thieves steal your data, some things they can do include:

• Apply for credit cards or loans in your name

• Withdraw funds from your bank account

• Use your social security number to steal your tax refund

There are many tools at your disposal for recognizing there is a problem. Read credit card and bank statements, make sure to recognize every change, no matter how small.

Credit reports are also great tool to spot suspicious activity on your account. To catch things in real-time, most financial institutions offer some type of fraud alert system you can opt into.

Steps to protect yourself

When protecting your data from identity thieves, the goal is to build as many effective obstacles as you can with your personal data.

• Mix up your passwords. Identity thieves are counting on the fact that you'll use the same password for all of your devices and accounts. Also, make strong passwords that utilize a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

• Be alert! Know who you are talking to. Don't give your information out unless you are the one who initiated the contact. If a company that claims to have an account with you sends an email asking for personal information, don't click on the links in the email. Instead, type the company name into your web browser, go to the company's site and contact them through customer support via phone or email.

• Sign up for text and/or email alerts. You'll be able to receive real time notifications when there has been any unusual activity online or through a mobile device. Such alerts may notify you when big purchases happen, if there have been changes to your profile or password, when an ATM withdrawal exceeds a certain amount and so on.

In most cases you will be able to customize the alerts to your preference.

• Protect your credit card information. Never enter your credit card information before checking to make sure the site is secure. The URL should always begin with https:// and there should be a lock icon in your browser. This icon may be in the lower right-hand corner of the status bar or in the address bar itself depending on the specific browser.

• Don't overshare on social media. What may seem harmless to post could be used to answer 'challenge' questions to your accounts gaining access to your money and personal information.

• Be aware that mobile devices (cellphones) are also targets. On the positive side, most phones can be locked with a passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition. Take advantage of these features. With access to your messages, email, social media and other applications someone posing as you could do a lot of damage.

It's not all just online you need to worry about. It's also good practice to destroy physical records of personal and financial information, a good shredder only costs $20 to $30 and will keep you protected.

About AgChoice

Farm Credit

AgChoice Farm Credit specializes in financing farms and country properties "to help our Martinsburg customers confidently reach their dreams."

Editor's Note: The Herald is partnering with AgChoice Farm Credit to provide information about financing and loans in rural areas such as the Cove.

Reader comments and suggestions regarding this column and its topics are welcome. Send comments to publisher@mcheraldonline.com or call (814) 793-2144.

The Herald is not being compensated for the publication of this column.