--- title: "Resident Tips from an HOA Board: 11 Ways to Protect Your Identity" description: Identity theft can happen to anyone, anywhere - even in a homeowner's association. The following tips can help consumers protect themselves. image: https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/123688993-protect_your_identity-resized-600-1.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity#main-content) [OWNER PORTAL](https://www.hignellhoa.com/owner-portal)|[CALL (530) 419‑6032](tel:5304196032)[![GET A FREE HOA ANALYSIS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5)[![PURCHASE CONSULTING HOURS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be) Close ** Click to close ![Resident Tips from an HOA Board: 11 Ways to Protect Your Identity](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/123688993-protect_your_identity-resized-600-1.jpg) [HOA BoardHOA Board](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/hoa-board), [SafetySafety](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/safety), [Resident TipsResident Tips](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/resident-tips) --- # Resident Tips from an HOA Board: 11 Ways to Protect Your Identity By  [ HOA Manager Written by HOA Manager ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager)    |    Mar 12, 2015 12:00:00 AM Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) ![lock and credit cards on computer keyboard](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/123688993-protect_your_identity-resized-600-1.jpg?width=370&height=246&name=123688993-protect_your_identity-resized-600-1.jpg)Identity theft can happen to anyone, anywhere - even in a homeowners association - and is a problem any time of the year.  The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers the following tips to help consumers protect themselves. ## 1.  Be aware of your surroundings When you’re out shopping, sidewalks and malls will be crowded and shoppers will be distracted. This is the perfect combination for a pick-pocket. If someone bumps into you, don’t assume it was an accident. Women should clutch purses closely at their side or in front of them with the wallet hidden at the bottom. Men should stow wallets in an inside coat pocket. ## 2.  Don’t carry large sums of cash Charge your purchases or use a debit card. Just remember that credit cards offer some protections that debit cards don’t. When you use a credit card, you can dispute a purchase before paying for it. With a debit card, the money is removed from your account at the time of the purchase. A thief can wipe out your checking or savings account before you ever realize the theft has taken place ## 3.  Guard your PIN number at the ATM Be aware of anyone lurking around the ATM, and if someone is standing too close, simply ask him or her to step back. Thieves can also install devices that read your information at the ATM without you knowing it. If you notice anything unusual about the ATM, use a different one, and report what you’ve seen to the bank. ## 4.  Don’t let your credit card out of your sight Unscrupulous clerks or waiters can copy your card information or swipe your card into a second card reader and later make a new credit card for themselves. Worse yet, they can sell your information to an organized crime ring. ## 5.  Lighten your wallet Remove anything from your wallet that you don’t absolutely need to have with you. That way, if someone is successful in stealing it, they won’t get as much. Never carry your Social Security card with you, but check other cards that might use your SS# as an identifier. If you’re not going to be using your checkbook, leave it at home. ## 6.  Make copies of your credit cards Copy both sides of all your cards. If you lose your wallet, you’ll have easy access to all of your account numbers and phone numbers, allowing you to alert your bank immediately. ## 7.  Keep up with all receipts Not only will you need them to make returns easily, but crooks are very interested in stealing the information they contain. Never stuff the receipts into your car visor or leave them exposed in any way. ## 8.  Open your credit card statements as soon as they arrive Check the bill for any unauthorized purchases. Even better, keep a watchful eye on your accounts by going online and reviewing your accounts each week. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, report it immediately to your bank. Doing so will likely remove any payment responsibility you might have for fraudulent purchases. ## 9.  Secure all personal information even while at home Unfortunately, many times an ID thief is someone we know, especially when you may have guests in your home. Remove temptation by putting personal information out of sight. ## 10. Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service Such services alert you via email anytime there is an inquiry or other activity to your credit report. In other words, if someone tries to open an account in your name, you’ll know about it. Such services are offered by all of the major credit reporting bureaus, and could be money well-spent. ## 11. Order your credit report Consumers are allowed one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three bureaus. Order a report now from one bureau, and order another one half way through the year from a different bureau. This will give you a good snapshot of activity and will alert you to anything unusual. In spite of all your efforts, if you're victimized by ID theft, contact an NFCC Member Agency for help. Their certified counselors can walk you through the steps to recovery. To find the agency closest to you, call (800) 388-2227, or go online to [www.DebtAdvice.org](http://www.DebtAdvice.org). It’s important to protect yourself in every way that you can, and if you live in a homeowners association check with your HOA board or manager that your personal information is kept in a safe and secure location. **Related Articles:** [Is the Homeowners Association Responsible for Members' Security?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/is-the-homeowners-association-responsible-for-members-security) [HOA Fees: A Clear Collection Policy is Crucial for Your HOA Board](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-fees-a-clear-collection-policy-is-essential-for-your-hoa-board) Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) [** Previous Post Previous Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-an-hoa-board-can-prepare-the-association-for-a-flooding-disaster) [** View all posts ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/) [Next Post ** Next Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/chimney-safety-tips-for-homeowners-association-residents) ## Recent Posts [![Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20Board%20Meeting%20-640178088-1.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) ### [Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners? Click to view Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) Can an HOA board make decisions without homeowner approval? In many cases, yes. HOA board members are elected... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) [![HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Management%20vs.%20HOA%20Consulting%20Which%20Does%20Your%20Board%20Need.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) ### [HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need? Click to view HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) Some HOA boards need consistent support managing day-to-day responsibilities, while others need expert... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) [![HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Rule%20Enforcement%20Best%20Practices%20to%20Stay%20Fair%20Legal%20and%20Effective.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) ### [HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective Click to view HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) HOA rule enforcement plays a key role in maintaining a well-managed, high-functioning community. When rules... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) [![The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/The%20Role%20of%20an%20HOA%20Manager_What%20Boards%20Should%20Expect%20Before%2c%20During%2c%20and%20After%20the%20Working%20Relationship%20Begins.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) ### [The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins Click to view The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) Many HOA board members know when their community needs additional support, but it isn’t always clear what... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) [![Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Budgeting%20for%20Major%20HOA%20Projects%20How%20Boards%20Can%20Plan%20Without%20Special%20Assessments.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) ### [Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments Click to view Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) Effective HOA budgeting plays a critical role in helping communities prepare for large repair and improvement... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) [![HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Insurance%20Explained%20What%20Every%20Board%20Member%20Needs%20to%20Know%20in%202026.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) ### [HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026 Click to view HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) HOA insurance is one of the most important responsibilities an association board oversees. It protects the... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) [![Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Understanding%20California%20HOA%20Laws%20in%202026%20Key%20Updates%20for%20Boards.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) ### [Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards Click to view Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) California HOA laws continue to evolve year after year, and 2026 is no exception. New legislation, regulatory... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) [![How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/senior-beautiful-woman-sitting-at-a-table-outside-2026-01-09-07-46-51-utc%20(2).jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) ### [How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls) Click to view How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) HOA board meetings are essential to the health of a community, but they can easily become stressful,... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) [![Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Self-Managed%20vs%20Professional%20HOA%20Management%20A%20Cost-Benefit%20Guide%20for%20Boards.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) ### [Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide Click to view Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) Many HOA boards start out self-managed because it seems like the most cost-effective approach. Without... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) [![The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/An%20HOA%20board%20meeting%20at%20an%20outdoor%20table%20with%20laptops.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ### [The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community Click to view The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) Homeowners associations play a big role in keeping neighborhoods well-maintained, financially healthy, and... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ** Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of [website accessibility](https://userway.org) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "HOA Manager", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-16T23:44:40.343Z", "datePublished" : "2015-03-12T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Resident Tips from an HOA Board: 11 Ways to Protect Your Identity", "image" : [ "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/123688993-protect_your_identity-resized-600-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/resident-tips-from-an-hoa-board-11-ways-to-protect-your-identity", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Hignell-Property-Management/Hignell-logo-2023.svg" } } } ```