UNDERSTANDING IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information— such as your Social Security number, account details, or login credentials—without your permission to commit fraud.

Common forms include:

  • Unauthorized access to financial accounts
  • Opening new credit accounts in your name
  • Phishing emails or texts requesting sensitive information
  • Impersonation of trusted institutions

A MESSAGE FROM HEFFERNAN FINANCIAL

At Heffernan Financial, safeguarding your personal and financial information is a top priority.

As part of these efforts, we want to help you stay informed about identity theft risks and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF

While we work diligently to secure your data, your vigilance is equally important. We recommend the following best practices:

1

Safeguard Your Information

  • Never share passwords, PINs, or account details via email, text, or phone unless you initiated the contact
  • Store sensitive documents securely and shred them before disposal
2

Be Alert to Suspicious Communications

  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or texts requesting personal information
  • Verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a financial institution
3

Use Strong Security Practices

  • Create strong, unique passwords for your accounts
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available
4

Monitor Your Accounts

  • Review account statements and transaction activity regularly
  • Immediately report any unfamiliar activity
5

Protect Your Devices

  • Keep your software and devices updated
  • Avoid accessing financial accounts over public or unsecured Wi-Fi
Woman using laptop

HOW WE PROTECT YOU

Heffernan Financial maintains robust safeguards designed to protect your confidential information, including:

  • Secure systems and data encryption
  • Ongoing monitoring for suspicious activity
  • Employee training on data protection and privacy
Hands using a laptop

IF YOU SUSPECT FRAUD OR IDENTITY THEFT

If you believe your information may have been compromised:

  1. Contact us immediately
  2. Notify your bank and credit card providers
  3. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with credit bureaus
  4. Report identity theft at www.IdentityTheft.gov
  5. Check out FINRA’s Identity Theft Prevention Checklist

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

If you have questions about protecting your information or our privacy practices, please contact your Heffernan Financial representative at any time.

Your trust is important to us. Thank you for partnering with Heffernan Financial to keep your information safe.

THE HEFFERNAN
FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE

When you work with us you gain access to an experienced team. We’ll tailor your portfolio to your values and help you make the complex financial decisions seeking to accomplish your goals. We’ll focus on strategies that help you “move the needle” on the goals you care about the most.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU
 

We’ll give you advice, not sales pitches. We’ll hold ourselves to the fiduciary standard, which means we’ll make sure our recommendations are in your best interest and not based on potential commissions. We’ll remain accessible to you and answer your emails without delay.