Protect yourself from identity theft

Imagine this: You pull out your debit card to pay for groceries, and your card is declined. Confused, you go to the bank to investigate and learn your checking account balance is zero, and someone purchased thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics online and shipped them to somewhere in California. And then you receive a notice from the IRS that someone has already filed a tax return in your name.

You’ve been the victim of identity theft.

For most people, just imagining this scenario will make their blood pressure spike. It’s a terrifying prospect, finding out the money you worked so hard to earn is gone and your credit rating has taken a 500-point nosedive. But the Manchester Library has great news: this is one scenario you might not ever have to face. Yes, there were more than 16 million identity theft victims in 2017, and new account and non-credit card fraud is soaring, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

On Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 6 pm, the library located at 912 City Road will be hosting a very important presentation in the Village Room by Cindy Clark, Banking Center Manager at Comerica Bank, “Protect Yourself from Identity Theft.” Identity theft can happen to anyone, anywhere, and thieves are engaging in increasingly more complex methods of fraud. Now is the time to learn how to stop them.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Questions? Call the library at 734-428-8045

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.