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How to protect yourself and your finances

05/29/2026

In today’s digital age, even the most careful consumers can fall prey to fraud. Learn how Fifth Third can protect you — and what you can do to protect yourself.

It’s no secret that identity theft can be costly. In fact, more than 20% of consumers who experienced identify theft in 2025 lost $100,000 or more, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. But having your identity stolen can also take an emotional toll. It’s a harsh reminder that in today’s digital age, even the most careful consumers can fall prey to fraud.

If you’re looking to protect yourself against identity theft, read on to learn how Fifth Third can help you—and what you can do to lower your risk.

Key takeaways:

  •  Identity theft can cause both financial and emotional harm.
  •  Fifth Third offers features that can help protect your finances from cyber criminals.
  • You can take steps to protect your finances such as using strong passwords, setting up fraud alerts and reporting suspicious communications.

Protecting your finances with Fifth Third

Fifth Third offers a range of tools and features to help you maintain control over your financial data. Here’s how to make the most of them:

  • Create a complex password. The Fifth Third Mobile App offers multifactor authentication to help prevent logins from unrecognized devices and create complex passwords that deter fraud.
  • Switch to paperless billing. Going paperless can reduce the risk of identity theft through the mail. Plus, you won’t have to change your address if you move.
  • Secure access to your account. Take advantage of features such as facial recognition and multifactor authentication to help prevent unauthorized access through the mobile app.
  • Set up customized alerts. Fifth Third allows you to receive notifications for low balances, large transactions, international activity and more. These alerts can provide greater visibility into your finances, even if you don’t check your statements regularly.
  • Respond to fraud alerts. Fifth Third sends alerts by text or email when suspicious account activity is detected. If you receive one, respond promptly to confirm whether the transaction is authorized. If it isn’t, Fifth Third can take steps to immediately secure your account and issue new cards.
  • Use the SmartShield® dashboard1. Take a monthly security quiz, manage log-in capabilities, report fraud, and lock and unlock your credit card using this feature found in the mobile app.
  • Report suspicious emails. Upload potentially fraudulent messages using the Report Phishing feature in the mobile app.

Other methods to keep your finances safe

These steps can help you keep cyber criminals at bay:

  • Be proactive. If you suspect your identity has been compromised, freeze your credit so no one can access your report or open new accounts in your name. You’ll need to contact each credit bureau individually to request a freeze. When you’re ready to apply for new credit, you can contact the bureaus again and request that they remove the freeze.
  • Check your credit regularly. If someone opens a new account in your name, it will appear on your credit report. This may not prevent the identity theft, but it will give you the ability to deal with it promptly. You can check your credit as often as you want, though some services charge a fee. You're legally entitled to a free report every year from each bureau.
  • Purchase a monitoring service. If you’re afraid of identity theft, you can purchase a separate service that will verify new accounts set up in your name or using your credit. Fifth Third Bank offers Identity Alert®2.
  • Protect your computer. Malware and viruses can replicate your keystrokes, which can lead to the theft of your personal passwords and other sensitive information. Purchase and update security software regularly to prevent these attacks.
  • Shred your sensitive documents. Thieves can go through your trash to find bank and credit card statements, which contain secure information. Before you throw out any financial documents, destroy anything that has your name, address, Social Security number, phone number or bank account information. When in doubt, shred.
  • Avoid unsecured wireless networks. Do not log in to your bank or credit card accounts while using unsecured internet networks. You can also consider using a virtual private network, or VPN, which helps protect your information even while using public Wi-Fi.
  • Use different passwords. Remembering passwords is a pain, but using the same password for every account increases the risk that anyone who gains access to one account will be able to access others.  Consider using a password manager like 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass or KeePass. These tools securely store and generate strong, unique passwords, and many offer free plans.

As adoption of mobile banking apps continues to grow, so does the need for strong identity protection. Following these tips—and staying vigilant about your online activity—can help you protect your finances in today’s digital landscape.

Security FAQs:

1.     What is multifactor authentication?

It’s a method of verifying your identity using two forms of identification, such as a password and a code sent via text message.

2.    What are some common financial threats faced by families?

Common threats include phishing emails, impersonation scams and fraud on gaming or social media platforms. Older adults may be more vulnerable to scams such as tech support or romance fraud.

3.    Want should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

Report suspicious activity to Fifth Third Bank at 800-972-3030 if it has something to do with your account. Forward suspicious communications using the Report Phishing feature in the Fifth Third Mobile App. File a police report, which will create a paper trail for any future action or disputes.

Three things to do:

This content is for informational purposes only and may have been derived, with permission, from a third party. While we believe it to be accurate as of the date of publication, it does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice or other professional services by Fifth Third Bank, National Association or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and it is being provided without any warranty whatsoever. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.