In a world where so much of our personal information is online, keeping it safe is more important than ever. Imagine finding out someone has used your credit or even opened new accounts in your name—that’s what identity fraud can look like, and it can lead to stress and financial losses. The good news? A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your information secure. Here’s what you can do to help keep your identity safe.
1. Freeze Your Credit
Freezing your credit is one of the strongest ways to help stop fraud before it starts.
- What It Does: Freezing your credit stops lenders from accessing your credit report. This makes it increasingly difficult for scammers to open new accounts in your name.
- How to Freeze It: Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and request a credit freeze. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail, and you’ll get a PIN for easy access if you ever need to lift the freeze temporarily.
- No Cost and Flexible: A credit freeze is free, and you can lift it temporarily whenever you’re applying for something like a mortgage or car loan. Just make sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts
One of the easiest ways to spot suspicious activity is simply by being aware of your account activity. Here’s how:
- Check in Often: Review your bank and credit card accounts regularly. Look for any odd charges or fees that you did not authorize. Scammers will sometimes even use small charges to confirm if the account is active.
- Set Up Alerts: Most banks and credit cards offer alerts that notify you of unusual activity. These notifications are quick, easy, and give you a heads-up if something doesn’t seem right.
- Check Your Credit Report Annually: You’re entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus. Reviewing your report can help you catch mistakes and unfamiliar accounts.
3. Add Fraud Alerts for Extra Protection
Fraud alerts are another way to help stop identity theft early. These alerts tell lenders to double-check with you before approving new credit requests.
- How It Works: With a fraud alert, any time a lender tries to approve a new account, they’re instructed to verify it’s really you making the request.
- How to Set It Up: You only need to contact one credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion), and they’ll notify the others for you. Fraud alerts are free and last for one year.
- Need Extra Coverage?: If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you can request an extended alert that lasts seven years.
4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Passwords are one of the best first lines of defense. Using strong, unique passwords can stop hackers from easily getting into your accounts. There are a few things to keep in mind when creating your passwords:
- Make It Strong: Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long and use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily obtainable information, like your birthdate or a pet’s name.
- Make It Unique: Make sure to use different passwords for each account you create, especially accounts with access to your personal information.
- Use a Password Manager: A password manager can safely store and manage your passwords. They can even generate complex passwords for each account so you don’t have to remember all of them.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): When offered, enable 2FA on your accounts. This extra step, like entering a code sent to your phone, makes it harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password.
5. Protect Your Personal Information—Online and Offline
Scammers often gather personal information from places we might overlook. Here’s how to help protect your personal information across different areas of your life:
- Limit Social Sharing: Avoid sharing personal details like your full birthdate, address, or phone number on social media. This information might seem harmless but can be used by scammers to access your accounts or answer security questions.
- Watch Out for Phishing: Scammers may use emails, calls, and texts that look like they’re from legitimate companies to trick you into giving them your information. Before clicking on a link or sharing any details, take a second to check: Are you sure it’s really from your bank or the government? If you have any doubts, call the organization directly using an official contact number to confirm.
- Secure Physical Documents: Identity theft isn’t just digital. Shred old bank statements, medical records, and anything with personal information before you throw it out.
- Use Caution in Public: Try not to access important accounts on public Wi-Fi networks, like in a coffee shop or airport. If you need to connect, consider using a VPN to protect your connection. If you must provide or confirm personal information verbally, make sure you are in a private setting first.
Final Thoughts
Monitoring your accounts, freezing your credit, using strong passwords, and guarding personal details may seem small, but together, they create a powerful shield against identity fraud. Although these strategies do not eliminate all risk of fraudulent attempts, they can help protect your identity and keep you safe from scammers.
Stay informed and proactive—your identity is worth protecting!
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