Protecting Your Good Name Together: Identity Theft Checklist

In our communities, we look out for one another. Whether it’s sharing a recommendation, helping a neighbor after a government shutdown, or supporting local businesses, we know the value of trust and connection. That same spirit carries into how we protect our financial lives — because your identity is one of the most important things you own.

Identity theft is more common than many people realize, and it doesn’t only happen to “other people” or in far‑off places. It can affect anyone, anywhere. The good news? With awareness, good habits, and a proactive mindset, you can greatly reduce your risk.

Protecting Yourself The Chesapeake Way

At Chesapeake Bank, we offer Identity Theft Protection services to all personal checking account holders, at no cost. However, just like maintaining a boat or securing a home, preventing identity theft is about building steady, reliable habits.

• Strengthen your passwords – Use strong, unique passphrases, not repeats.
• Enable account alerts – Real‑time notifications help you respond quickly.
• Monitor your accounts regularly – A few minutes each week can make a big difference.
• Be cautious with unexpected emails or texts – If it feels off, it probably is.
• Shred sensitive documents – Don’t give thieves a chance to find information in the trash.
• Avoid using public Wi‑Fi for financial activity – Stick to secure, private networks.
• Review your credit reports – You’re entitled to check them, use that opportunity.
  

These habits build a strong wall of protection around your personal information. For additional ways to prevent identity theft, click here.

Identity Theft Checklist

1. Consider placing credit freezes on your profile with major credit bureaus. A credit freeze prevents lenders or other businesses from pulling your credit unless you remove the freeze first. You must contact each bureau individually to place or remove a freeze.

2. Review your credit report for accounts you did not open or any unexplained debts or inquiries. If you find any unauthorized activity, file a complaint with the credit bureau(s) to contest it.

Obtain and review your free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com.

3. Report unauthorized checks or deposit accounts in your name to the following consumer reporting companies. Banks and other businesses often furnish information about accounts (and checks drawn against those accounts) to these services in order to prevent fraud.

4. Report any ID theft incident(s) to the Federal Trade Commission: Online at www.identitytheft.gov or by calling 877-438-4338

5. Contact local law enforcement where you live to file a report. Provide copies of any documentation that you have.

6. If you live in Virginia: Contact the Virginia Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to complete an Identity Theft Affidavit and obtain an Identity Theft Passport. Call 804-786-0991 to speak with OAG Victim Notification Program specialist.

• Identity Theft Affidavit – Used to alert businesses about the fraud
• Identity Theft Passport Application – The OAG offers a card to identity theft victims that they can carry and present to anyone who challenges them about their identity.

Additional ID Theft Resources

1. How to Avoid Identity Theft: A Guide for Victims
   Office of the Attorney General of Virginia at https://www.oag.state.va.us/programs-outreach/identity-theft.
2. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov)
   You may also report incidents here if you fell victim to identity theft while using the internet.
3. Income Tax Fraud
   Any fraudulent use of a Virginia resident’s Social Security number to obtain an income tax refund should be reported to: Internal Revenue Service and/or Virginia Department of Taxation, Identity Theft
4. Unemployment Benefits Fraud (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/UIIDtheft)
   This type of fraud occurs when criminals use other people’s information to illegally receive unemployment benefits. Warning signs of this type of ID theft include:
   • Your current employer receives a notice about an unemployment claim in your name
   • Communication from a government agency sends about an unemployment claim you did not expect or request
   • Receiving a 1099-G tax form indicating benefits you did not receive

We’re Committed to Your Financial Safety

Protecting our customers is part of who we are. In August 2025, we strengthened that commitment by introducing Visa 3-D Secure (3DS), giving our customers an extra layer of safety whenever they shop online. But technology works best when paired with knowledge, tools, and support – so you can handle challenges with confidence.

When it comes to your identity, vigilance isn’t about fear. It’s about staying prepared, staying aware, and staying connected. Visit our Identity Theft Protect FAQ’s anytime.