Protecting Your Financial Identity

Your identity is one of your most valuable possessions. It's who you are. It enables you to communicate, to form relationships, to participate in commerce, and to build a life that is entirely yours.

So when someone exploits an identity for personal gain, it's more than just a crime. It can leave the victim feeling violated, overwhelmed, and helpless. It can take many years and thousands of dollars to recover from identity theft. That's why we at Check 'n Go want to provide you with information to help keep you safe from scammers and identity thieves.

In the following sections, we've provided sound advice and reputable sources to help you start — or improve — your effort to protect yourself and your family against identity theft. Please consider taking the time to read through them, and explore the additional resources provided if you have any further questions. Your identity is yours — the only one you have. Protect it by being prepared.

Online Identity Theft
Do you know the difference between phishing and pharming? It could be the key to keeping your personal financial information private while using the Internet. In this section, learn what methods online identity thieves use to target victims, as well as how to be proactive against their scams.

Protecting Your ID at Home
Not every identity theft happens online. Thieves can attempt to trick you using text messages, bad checks, and friendly telemarketing calls. You may even be standing next to an identity thief the next time you go shopping. Read more about offline identity threats so you can keep yourself safe.

Resources for Fraud Victims
If you suspect you've been part of a hoax or your identity has been compromised, don't wait. The faster you act, the more likely you are to recover your identity. Here are quick and straightforward explanations of where to start.

Find out more on our ONLINE IDENTITY THEFT page.

Website and Email Security
Could your computer be at risk? If you're not sure, we're here to help. In this section, learn about simple precautions you can take to help avoid Internet predators.