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Home Portal Policies U.S. Consumer Portals Fraud Prevention and Reporting

U.S. Consumer Portals Fraud Prevention and Reporting

Last updated: November 2025

If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline.

833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311

Tips for Staying Safe Online

It's more important than ever to protect your personal and financial information. Follow these simple tips to stay safe online:

  • Protect Your Passwords: Never share your passwords with anyone. A strong password should be difficult for others to guess. We will never ask you for your password.
  • Watch for Scammers: Scammers often impersonate people you trust, like family, friends, government officials, or companies. If you get an unexpected request for money or personal information via text, call, email, or social media, be cautious.
  • Do Your Own Research: Before you act, search online for the company or product name along with words like "scam" or "complaint" to see what others are saying. You can also search for phone numbers to see if they have been reported as scams.
  • Don't Pay Upfront for a Promise: Be wary of requests for upfront payments for things like debt relief, loans, or even prizes. Scammers will often take your money and disappear. Remember, government agencies like the IRS will never demand payment with gift cards or wire transfers.
  • Be Smart About How You Pay: Credit cards offer strong fraud protection. Other methods like wire transfers, reloadable cards, and gift cards are risky because it's difficult to get your money back. Legitimate organizations won't require these payment methods.
  • Talk to Someone You Trust: Don't feel pressured to act immediately. Scammers want you to make quick decisions. Before you give away money or information, talk to a trusted friend or family member.
  • Be Careful with "Free" Trials: Some free trials will automatically sign you up for a monthly subscription. Always read the cancellation policy and check your monthly statements for any charges you don't recognize.
  • Avoid oversharing on social media, especially about your travel plans. Letting others know when you are away can be dangerous.
  • Report suspected scams to Equiniti: To help stop scams and phishing attacks that may impersonate Equiniti, please send  a copy of the email to: EQITServiceDesk@equiniti.com and use the subject line Phishing attack/attempt.
    • Only use this address for suspected phishing or to report scams.

How to Protect Your Personal Information

Get Fraud Alerts: Sign up for free alerts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

  • Scams | Consumer Advice
  • The FTC site also allows consumers to report Scams, Identity Theft and Fraud. 
  • Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies investigate and catch criminals.

Monitor Your Credit Report:

It's wise to check your credit report regularly for errors or fraudulent activity. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year.

  • Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free annual report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can also call 1-877-322-8228.
  • For stronger protection, you can "freeze" your credit report with each bureau. This prevents anyone from opening a new account in your name. To place a freeze, contact each bureau directly:

Secure Your Devices

  • Protect your computer by keeping security patches and anti-virus software up to date.
  • Regularly back up your data to another system.

Safeguard Your Identity

Be selective when sharing your Social Security Number (SSN).

  • Carry only necessary information in your wallet or purse. Leave your Social Security card in a secure location.

Dispose of Documents Securely

  • Shred sensitive documents before throwing them away.

Unclaimed property

Checking for unclaimed property is a crucial defense against fraud and identity theft. By proactively searching for and claiming forgotten assets, on legitimate websites, like Unclaimed.org you prevent criminals from gaining access to your personal information and financial accounts. Unclaimed assets, from forgotten bank accounts to insurance payouts, are particularly susceptible to fraud because the rightful owner is often unaware that they are missing. 

Reduce junk mail

To remove your name from marketing lists, contact the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). This can stop much of the advertising mail you receive for up to 10 years.

Handle postal mail safely

  • Be timely: Collect your mail as soon as possible after it's delivered.
  • Use secure drop-off: When mailing sensitive items like bills, use an official post office drop box or go inside to the counter. Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your home mailbox.

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