How to Spot the Warning Signs of Identity Theft

2 Min. Read

When it comes to protecting your personal and financial information, the best defense is knowing what to watch for. Fraudsters often rely on tactics such as urgency, fear, or secrecy to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money. Staying alert to the warning signs of identity theft and online scams will empower you to avoid becoming a victim and act quickly if something seems suspicious.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

According to the Federal Trade Commission, you may be a victim of identity theft if you notice any of these red flags:

• Unexplained withdrawals from your bank account.
• Unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
• Debt collectors contacting you about debts that aren’t yours.
• Notifications that your information was compromised in a company data breach.
• IRS alerts that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
• Medical bills for services you didn’t receive.
• Health plan rejections or denials because records show conditions or benefit limits that don’t apply to you.
• Missing bills or other expected mail.
• Merchants refusing your checks.

If any of these red flags occur, take action right away by checking your credit reports, contacting your financial institution, and reporting the issue to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Red Flags of Online Scams

Online scam artists often use similar tactics to gain your trust, create panic, or trap you into clicking on malicious links. Keep these common warning signs in mind:

Phishing Emails or Messages

• Misspelled names or words, incorrect grammar, or strange formatting.
• Links that don’t match the legitimate company’s website.

Fake Websites and Form-jacking

• URLs that look almost right but contain a small variation (an extra letter or number).
• “Too good to be true” deals that disappear after you’ve entered your payment details.

Malicious Pop-ups and Malware

• Flashy warnings urging you to download software immediately.
• Requests to “fix” a problem by giving remote access to your device.

Get-Rich-Quick Scams

• Ads for side hustles that require upfront payments or promise big returns with no experience needed.
• Claims of lottery or inheritance winnings you never applied for.

Unusual Payment Requests

• Being asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps like Zelle or Venmo.
• Requests for secrecy or pressure to act quickly.

Suspicious Identities

• Messages from someone claiming to be overseas, in the military, or working on an oil rig.
• Impersonation of well-known companies like Amazon, Microsoft, UPS, or your bank.

Think Before You Act

Staying alert to these red flags is the most effective way to protect your identity and finances.

Have You Been Asked To…

• Provide mistruths to the credit union?
• Buy gift cards or send funds via an app?
• Confirm winnings from a lottery you didn’t enter? Pay taxes you don’t owe?
• Pay money to receive an inheritance?
• Pay fines or warrants you don’t have?

Did The Inquiry Come From…

• An unfamiliar email or social media?
• Someone on an oil rig, in the military, or out of town/abroad?

Does The Inquiry Involve…

• UPS, FedEx, Microsoft, McAfee, Amazon, Geek Squad, or Norton?
• Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin?
• A malware or illegal download on your computer?
• Information related to a loan you may or may not have applied for online?

Marine Credit Union offers tools and resources to help you protect yourself from fraud and identity theft. To build even stronger protection, explore our resources on:

Common Scams and Types of Fraud

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

What to Do If You Fall for a Scam

If you ever suspect suspicious activity, contact us right away. We’ll help you take the next steps with confidence.