Protect Yourself From Identity Theft and Scams

Please be very careful about any links or attachments in emails you receive. 

If you get an email and the link asks you to put in your username and password.  Stop and verify it is a legitimate site. Should it be asking for a username and password?

While we have robust systems, scammers are evolving just as fast, and we all need to be vigilant.

If you have any doubts or questions about an email, please feel free to contact anyone in IS. 

Learn how to protect, prevent, report, and recover from identity theft scams:

PROTECTION/PREVENTION

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud.

The identity thief may use your information to fraudulently apply for credit, make unemployment claims, file taxes, or get medical services. You could be a victim if you receive:

  • Bills for items you didn't buy

  • Letters from agencies you haven’t done business with

  • Debt collection calls for accounts you didn't open

  • Denials for loan applications

Keep your identity safe with these helpful resources:

REPORT/RECOVER

Steps you can take if you believe you are a victim of fraud:

  • Go to the FTC identity theft website: www.identitytheft.gov for great resources on reporting

  • Request your free credit reports via www.annualcreditreport.com and review them for other fraudulent activities

  • Go to atg.wa.gov/recovering-identity-theft-or-fraud for additional tips from the Washington State Attorney General

  • Report unemployment fraud to Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) online or by phone at 1-800-246-9763. Additionally, contact your bank or credit union for an account audit. If you are a member of OCCU, they have a letter in place to use when disputing a fraudulent claim to Washington ESD. Other banks should have similar protocols.

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