What Is a Fake Package Delivery Scam?

As the holiday season approaches, online shopping becomes increasingly popular. With the increase in online shopping comes the increased risk of falling victim to scams. One growing threat during this time is the fake package delivery notification scam.  In this type of scam, fraudsters send deceptive emails or text messages claiming to be legitimate [...]

Why Identity Theft Protection is an Important Employee Benefit

Employers that keep their workers secure, engaged, and productive can naturally gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. One way to promote employee well-being is to offer benefits that extend beyond standard employment packages. Identity theft protection for employees is a valuable benefit that protects workers and provides advantages for the employer.  Here’s why identity [...]

Roblox Scams: What Parents Need to Know

By now, you’ve more than likely heard the cheerful chatter of your child and their friends discussing Roblox and even been nagged on more than one occasion to buy them some Robux. In this vast digital playground, creativity and imagination come to life in the form of games designed by players worldwide. But just as [...]

Tips to Avoid Holiday Job Scams

For many people, the holiday season is an opportunity to earn extra income through seasonal work. Unfortunately, scammers are aware of this and ramp up their efforts to exploit job seekers during this busy time.  Fake job ads promising high pay and flexible hours appear everywhere – from social media feeds to email inboxes. [...]

6 Ways Parental Controls Help Protect Your Child

The internet is practically unavoidable — even for children. From social media and online gaming with popular platforms like Fortnite and Roblox to everyday school activities and assignments, children are increasingly dependent on internet access.   While the internet offers incredible educational resources and opportunities for connection, it’s also one of the most potentially dangerous spaces [...]

5 Tips for Avoiding Charity Scams Over the Holidays

For many charities, the holiday season is the biggest time of the year for charitable donations. People are in a giving mood, the deadline for making this year’s tax-deductible donations is approaching, and mission-based organizations are making their final push to solicit donors. But this spike in giving can put donors at risk of [...]

Is Mobile Banking Safe? 8 Mobile Banking Security Tips 

Mobile banking allows you to manage your finances from anywhere with just a phone and a network connection. But that convenience factor doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when it comes to the security of your bank accounts.   Luckily, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your financial security while enjoying [...]

What Happens to Identity Thieves When You Report Them? 

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifiable information (PII) fraudulently for their own gain. Fraud can take many forms, and can cause lasting damage to your finances, credit, and even your reputation.   One of the best ways to fight identity theft is to be on the lookout for warning signs and immediately report [...]

Top 5 Scams to Watch Out for During the 2024 Holiday Season

The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity, shopping sprees, and celebratory spending—but it also attracts scammers who look to exploit the holiday rush. While some scams are holiday-specific, others are annual threats with new, sophisticated twists. Here’s a guide to the top five scams for the 2024 holiday season, starting with the latest [...]

What to Do If My Email Is Found on The Dark Web?

Pretty much everyone uses email. It’s part of your daily life. But what do you do if your email address is found on the dark web? People might be trying to access your accounts. Unfortunately, the dark web is where you can find a number of criminals and cybercriminals trying to break into your [...]

The Importance of a Free Dark Web Scan and What to Do If Your Data Is Found 

Every online action – from making a purchase to signing up for a service – creates new data points about you. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are always looking for opportunities to exploit this data. One of their primary marketplaces for trading stolen personal information is the dark web. If your data ends up there, it can be [...]

AI Scams Are Targeting Voters in the Upcoming Election

As the upcoming election approaches, voters are increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated AI election scams designed to provide misinformation to influence the election results.  Deepfake videos, which use artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic but entirely fake footage, and AI-powered robocalls, which use advanced speech synthesis to deliver convincing but fraudulent messages, are among the [...]

How to Avoid Fake QR Code Scams

In today’s tech-driven world, QR (quick response) codes are everywhere. From facilitating contactless payments to accessing menus and websites, these quick response codes offer convenience and speed and are trusted by almost everyone.   But how do you know what you’re getting with a QR code?   Fake QR code scams have quickly become a massive [...]

Who Can Check Your Credit Report?

The primary purpose of your credit report is to demonstrate your creditworthiness to lenders and creditors. In other words, your credit report can help companies decide whether to approve or deny your loan and credit card applications.  But lenders and credit card companies aren’t the only ones that can pull your credit report. In [...]

Understanding Data Privacy: Keeping Your Data Secure 

With the rise of online platforms, social media, and e-commerce, personal information has become more vulnerable to mishandling and exploitation. Both data privacy and data security play a critical role in helping prevent identity theft, and adopting strong practices in both areas is essential for keeping your personal information safe.  IdentityIQ is committed to helping [...]

3 Ways Rent Payment Reporting Improves Your Credit

Have you ever wished you could get credit for your on-time rent payments? Now you can. IdentityIQ, a leading provider of identity theft protection and credit monitoring services, now offers rent payment reporting. This service allows your on-time rent payments, and potentially up to 24 months of past payments, to appear as a credit [...]

What is a Dark Web Scan, and Why Do You Need One?

In today’s increasingly online world, most people understand the importance of keeping your information off the dark web. However, we have found that many people do not realize how easy it is for your information to end up leaked on shady corners of the online world. Criminals who obtain an individual’s personally identifiable information (PII) [...]

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Here Are 4 Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Protected

In today’s increasingly online world, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. From online banking and shopping to social media and email, much of our lives are spent online. But with the convenience of the internet comes the ever-present threat of cybercrime.    Each year, cybercriminals become more sophisticated, developing new tactics to exploit weaknesses and [...]

Help! Someone Is Using My Home Address Fraudulently. What Now?

It's an unsettling realization. That nagging feeling when you receive a piece of mail not meant for you, or when an unexpected package appears at your doorstep with someone else's name. Suddenly, questions begin to bubble to the surface: Why is this happening? Who is behind it? And, crucially, what potential harm lurks in the [...]

What Are Acceptable Reasons for Late Payments On Your Credit Report? 

Late payments on your credit report can be a real hassle, but they don’t have to spell disaster for your financial future. Whether you missed a credit card bill by mistake or life threw you a curveball, don’t worry – there are ways to manage and mitigate the impact.     In this article, we break [...]

Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan to Keep Your Identity Safe

Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes bring chaos and upheaval. In the midst of extreme weather emergencies, evacuations, power outages, and destroyed homes, preventing information theft may not be at the top of your mind. However, these disasters can make you more vulnerable to identity theft, as critical documents and devices may be [...]

Why Are Military Members More Vulnerable to Identity Theft?

Military members, veterans, and their families are often regarded as pillars of strength and resilience, yet they face unique vulnerabilities when it comes to identity theft and other forms of fraud. Unfortunately, their service and sacrifices can make them prime targets for scammers seeking to exploit their personal information. Whether actively serving, retired, or [...]

Major Banks Under Fire for Refusing Reimbursements to Victims of Online Payment Scams

Major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, have come under intense scrutiny for their response to online payment scams. A growing number of consumers have reported being denied reimbursement for funds lost to scams on Zelle, an online payment platform that is co-owned by JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and [...]

What Happens If You Open a Spam Email on Your Phone?

Spam emails only become dangerous depending on how you handle them. So, while opening a spam email on your phone won't necessarily cause harm, what you do next is crucial. Here's what you can do if you accidentally open a spam email on your smartphone. What Happens If You Accidentally Open a Spam Email [...]

Protect Your Identity if Your Driver’s License Number is Lost or Stolen

Your driver’s license contains personally identifiable information (PII) that criminals can use to commit identity theft. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, more than 150 million U.S. driver’s licenses were compromised from 2017 to 2021. For this reason, it’s a good idea to protect your driver’s license number from criminals. Here’s how a [...]

How Can I Protect My Personal Information After a Data Breach?

Data breaches are an unavoidable reality in the modern world. And your chances of having your data leaked just got worse. More than 2.9 billion records containing sensitive data have been released for free online as a result of a data breach targeting National Public Data. Each of these records includes an individual's full name, [...]

How Cybercriminals Profit from a Data Breach

If you’re still under the impression that hacking is restricted to hoodie-wearing individuals in darkened rooms, then you might be vastly underestimating the scale of the data breach problem.   Just look at the 2.9 billion records released after the National Public Data data breach. Hackers broke into the database, which contains personal information [...]

How to Read Your IdentityIQ Credit Report

Your credit report is a detailed record of your credit history. Understanding how to read it can be essential to help you maintain good credit and achieve your financial goals. This guide explains the key sections of an IdentityIQ credit report in simple terms, covering personal information, credit scores, account histories, public records, and [...]

AI-Powered Identity Protection: How Machine Learning Safeguards Your Data

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are technologies that play a significant role in data protection. Protecting the data of individuals and organizations is essential in the digital age, and AI and machine learning can advance data protection strategies in a way that would not be possible with more traditional programs. Key Takeaways AI and [...]

Back to School Scams: Why Credit Monitoring is a Must-Have for College Students

As U.S. university and college students gear up for a new academic year, they're often preoccupied with class schedules, new roommates, and campus life. However, amidst the excitement and responsibilities of student life, many overlook a critical aspect of their well-being: protecting themselves from back-to-school scams and identity theft. With the increasing sophistication of [...]

IdentityIQ Review: Is IdentityIQ Worth It In 2024?

We at IdentityIQ have been around a while, and one of the most common questions we hear is: Is IdentityIQ worth it? Spoiler alert: Yes, IdentityIQ is worth it for most people. But, you might think we’re a little bit biased, so we put together a list of all the reasons why IdentityIQ may [...]

AT&T Faces Another Data Breach, Impacting Nearly All Cellular Customers

In a distressing turn of events, AT&T has once again become the target of a significant data breach, this time exposing sensitive information of nearly all AT&T cellular customers and drawing parallels to a similar incident from earlier this year. The telecommunications giant has confirmed that unauthorized individuals have accessed customer data from a [...]

IDIQ Releases Report on Top Consumer Credit Concerns as Shared by Mortgage, Real Estate, Lending Partners and Consumers

– Survey Finds Top Consumer Credit Concern is Not Knowing How to Effectively Strengthen Their Credit Profile – TEMECULA, Calif. – June 20, 2024 – IDIQ®, a financial intelligence company that empowers consumers to take everyday action to control their financial well-being, today released a report detailing consumer credit concerns voiced by mortgage, real [...]

How Can Biometrics Prevent Identity Theft?

In an increasingly online world, digital safety is more important than ever. Biometrics has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against identity theft. This article delves into the various biometric authentication methods, explaining how they work and how biometrics can help prevent identity theft. What are Biometrics? Biometrics are measurements of unique [...]

Improve Your Credit Score with Utility Payment Reporting

Have you ever wondered if there's a way to improve your credit score beyond the traditional methods of using credit cards and loans? Now there is. Utility payment reporting, offered by IdentityIQ, allows your utility bill payments, such as gas, electricity, and even select streaming services, to be reported to major credit bureaus to [...]

What Are the Risks of a Data Breach?

In a society dominated by digital interconnectedness, the risks associated with data breaches loom over individuals, businesses, and society at large. A data breach, whether orchestrated by cybercriminals, facilitated by human error, or from technical glitches, represents a critical threat to the security of sensitive information. The ramifications extend past financial losses due to [...]

Dell Data Breach Affects 49 Million Customers

Dell Data Breach Affects 49 Million Customers Dell recently announced its investigation into a data breach exposing the personal information of more than 49 million customers. If you have purchased a Dell product in the past seven years, your information is likely exposed on the dark web.  According to Bitdefender, Dell began emailing those affected on [...]

Bitcoin ATM Scams: What You Need to Know

Bitcoin, the popular digital currency, has opened new avenues for online transactions and investments. While its decentralized nature offers benefits, it has also created opportunities for scammers to exploit unsuspecting individuals. With the growing prevalence of Bitcoin ATMs (also known as Bitcoin kiosks), it's essential to be aware of the potential scams and take [...]

Identity Theft in 2023: A Year of Record-Breaking Scams

Throughout the past year, IDIQ®, a leading financial intelligence company, tracked the trends in identity theft and related scams through reports from its IdentityIQ brand. The data uncovered a sharp increase in identity theft incidents, setting new records for fraudulent activities. Let's explore key statistics and trends as reported in the IdentityIQ 2023 Scam [...]

Lost Wallet: What to Do to Protect Your Identity

Everyone has a lot on their plates these days, so it’s understandably easier now more than ever to misplace things – and to have a moment of panic when you think you’ve misplaced something important. Many people might experience that clutch of anxiety over the feeling that they’ve lost their wallets. In this [...]

How to Help Protect Adults from Romance Scams

We all deserve happiness and connection. Whether starting fresh after a breakup or coping with loneliness, many people turn to online dating sites and apps hoping to find a partner. While the internet has opened new avenues for people to connect, it has also enabled scammers to exploit those whose are vulnerable. What Is [...]

How Do You Protect Yourself from Credit Card Skimmers?

Credit card skimmers are illegal devices that criminals use at payment points of service, including ATMs, gas stations, and merchant credit card terminals, to steal consumer card information. While credit card skimming can happen anywhere, there are some ways to help protect yourself. Here's what you need to know. What Is Credit Card Skimming? [...]

How Oversharing Content About Your Kids (“Sharenting”) Can Lead to Identity Theft

Snapping a photo of your kids and sharing it on social media may seem like a harmless act. It’s natural to be proud of your children and want to share that feeling with friends and loved ones online. But posting photos, videos, and other information about your child online leaves them vulnerable to identity [...]

Identity Theft Can Leave Victims on the Hook for Tax Refund Advance Loans

Tax season presents opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting taxpayers through a range of scams. One particular scam involves identity theft and the misuse of tax refund advances. These advances allow filers to receive a portion of their expected refund quickly, but scammers have found ways to capitalize on this service, leaving victims on [...]

How to Protect Yourself from Investment Fraud

Investing is a great way to put your money to work and generate passive income. However, lucrative investing opportunities come with risks, and it's important to be cautious. Legitimate investing is risky by nature, but investors also have to face the additional threat of investment fraud. This comprehensive guide walks you through how to [...]

How to Help Protect Against Identity Theft and Voter Fraud

Voter fraud threatens the safety of our personal information and the essence of fair and transparent elections. As a voter, it is imperative to understand and actively address this challenge to help protect your personal information from identity theft and to help maintain the integrity of elections. This practical guide offers key insights and actionable [...]

What Is Spear Phishing and How to Avoid It

Have you ever clicked a suspicious link or opened an unexpected attachment, only to realize it was a scam? The internet, brimming with information and opportunity, can also be dangerous. That's where spear phishing comes in – a particularly cunning form of online deception. This targeted cyberattack preys on your trust and knowledge, manipulating [...]

The Origins and History of the Dark Web

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that cannot be accessed as easily. To get to the dark web, you need to use special tools designed to provide anonymity and privacy for the dark web’s users and website administrators. While there are many legitimate reasons to use the dark web, its [...]

Criminal Identity Theft: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Criminal identity theft can turn lives upside down. This type of identity theft goes beyond financial fraud; it involves the use of your personal information for unlawful activities. From tarnishing your reputation to causing legal headaches, the impact can be immense. The numbers are alarming. In the last two decades, identity theft has increased by [...]

How to Spot an Email Phishing Attempt at Work

In the modern workplace, technology is just as common as the typical morning cup of coffee. Alongside the benefits of a digitally connected office, however, is the ongoing threat of cyberattacks. Among these ever-present threats is phishing, which is a deceptively simple yet effective method cybercriminals use to compromise both business and personal accounts. [...]

Why Child Identity Theft Grows During Tax Season

In the intricate web of financial transactions, tax season unveils a concerning trend -- the alarming growth of child identity theft. As adults diligently prepare their tax returns, the vulnerability of children’s personal information becomes increasingly exploited. Continue reading to learn about the contributing factors to the surge in child identity theft during tax [...]

Is Identity Theft Protection Tax Deductible?

Identity theft protection, a crucial defense against the growing threat of cybercrime, has become increasingly recognized as a valuable investment in safeguarding personal information. As individuals seek ways to fortify their digital presence, there is a rising discussion around the tax deductibility of identity theft protection expenses. This consideration reflects the evolving landscape of financial [...]

Safe Gaming Tips: How Gamers Can Help Protect Their Privacy

There were an estimated 1.1 billion online gamers last year, which makes online gaming a massive target for criminals and hackers. If you or your kids enjoy playing video games online like Minecraft or Roblox, you need to prioritize security and privacy, as there are financial and safety risks involved. For example, last year [...]

How to Get an IP PIN for Your Child

Now more than ever, protecting your personal information from getting into the wrong hands is crucial. For parents, this responsibility extends to their children, especially when it comes to financial matters such as taxes. Research shows that child identity fraud costs U.S. families nearly $1 billion annually and affects one out of every 50 [...]

Do I Get a New Identity Protection PIN Every Year?

When you are a victim of a resolved case of tax-related identity theft, the IRS will issue you an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to help protect you from future fraud. Clearing up tax-related identity theft can take time and effort and seriously delay any tax refund you may be owed, so it’s important [...]

How to Help Protect Your Digital Footprint

Every click, search, and interaction online contributes to your digital footprint – an intricate trail of data that encapsulates your digital identity. While the digital landscape offers unprecedented convenience and connectivity, it also presents many risks. From the potential threat of identity theft to the impact on professional and personal reputations, protecting our digital [...]

The Deep Web vs. the Dark Web vs. the Surface Web: What’s the Difference?

The internet is made of up three parts: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web. There are key characteristics that distinguish each part, but the differences are often poorly understood – especially when it comes to the connection with cybercrime. Here’s the difference between the surface web, the deep web, and the [...]

How Utility Payment Reporting Can Help You Meet Your New Year Financial Goals

As the New Year continues to roll out, many of us have financial New Year's resolutions that aim to seek the next level of financial strength. There's a transformative tool that can help meet these goals that many are unaware of – utility payment reporting. Beyond traditional credit reporting, this method offers another avenue [...]

New AI Scams to Look Out For in 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly reshaped many aspects of everyday life. As it continues to evolve and be normalized, criminals are finding creative new ways to wield AI as a weapon against our personal information and finances. The more aware you are of these tactics, the safer you can be from them. Here are three [...]

2023: A Year of Record-Breaking Data Breaches

This past year has been an eye-opening year in the realm of digital security. Data breaches reached an all-time high, leaving a trail of identity theft cases. From corporate giants to public hospitals, cybercriminal activity has continued to snowball across several industries. This has left victims scrambling to understand the extent of the damage [...]

How Does Credit Monitoring Protect You From Identity Theft?

In today's digital world, safeguarding your identity is paramount. With the ever-increasing threat of data breaches and identity theft, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your personal information and financial well-being. One powerful tool in your arsenal is credit monitoring. But how does credit monitoring protect you from identity theft? This comprehensive service [...]

Common Holiday Scams and How to Avoid Them

The holiday season is a time for celebration, giving, and spending time with loved ones. However, it's also a time when scammers are particularly active, looking to take advantage of the increased generosity and spending. Here are some of the most common holiday scams and how to help avoid them. Common Holiday Scams Online Shopping [...]

5 Reasons to Monitor Your Credit this Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and spending. However, it's also a time when cybercriminals and scammers are highly active, looking to take advantage of the increased online shopping, financial transactions, travel, and frenzied holiday activities. That's why it's all the more essential to monitor your credit during the holidays. Regular [...]

Planning to Cancel IdentityIQ? Stay Protected With This Alternative

If you plan to cancel your IdentityIQ membership, we understand that life is unpredictable. Sometimes situations change and priorities shift. If you decide to cancel now, you can always log back in at any point and reinstate your IdentityIQ membership in the future. But with identity theft and other online scams rapidly becoming more [...]

Does Identity Theft Increase During the Holidays?

As the threat of identity theft grows each year, helping safeguard your identity during the holiday season becomes more of a necessity. But does identity theft increase during the holidays? Unfortunately, yes, identity theft does increase during the holiday season. During the holidays, people are more likely to travel, shop online, use public Wi-Fi, [...]

What You Need to Know About Apple’s NameDrop iOS17 Feature

Apple's recent iOS17 update introduced NameDrop, enabling users to exchange contact information quickly and easily. While this feature offers unmatched convenience, it also has raised some safety concerns. Here is what you need to know about Apple's NameDrop iOS17 feature. What Is Apple NameDrop? Apple's NameDrop feature simplifies the exchange of contact information among [...]

How to Help Avoid Holiday Scams This Season

Scammers take advantage of those who want to give during the holiday season, warns Credit & Debt CEO Jeff Mandel in an interview with LiveNOW from Fox. Credit & Debt is a financial planning brand under parent company IDIQ, which offers industry-leading identity theft protection and credit monitoring products through their IdentityIQ and MyScoreIQ [...]

How to Contact IdentityIQ Customer Service

In our digitally connected world, the security of your personal information and credit has never been more critical. With the ever-growing threat of identity theft, IdentityIQ is a reliable solution with a complete suite of identity theft protection and credit monitoring services. As a part of these services, IdentityIQ delivers comprehensive support through its [...]

5 Tips to Help Avoid Charity Scams This Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a day to extend a helping hand, support charitable causes, and share kindness with those in need. However, despite the noble intention of Giving Tuesday, there is an alarming concern that continues to grow – the presence of Giving Tuesday scams. These scams are designed to exploit the goodwill of donors, [...]

Holiday Online Shopping Safety Tips

The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching and will be gone before you know it. So, it's time to start checking off that gift list! Online holiday shopping brings game-changing convenience to busy shoppers, but without the proper safety best practices, online shoppers can be vulnerable to hackers, identity theft, and all other kinds [...]

How to Cancel IdentityIQ

Are you planning to cancel your IdentityIQ membership? Life is unpredictable, and sometimes priorities change. If you plan to cancel your IdentityIQ membership, we respect your decision. However, we strongly recommend that you do not leave yourself unprotected from identity theft. Safeguarding your identity is more critical than ever with one in four Americans [...]

How to Help Avoid Holiday Credit Card Fraud

The holiday season is the perfect time of the year to buy presents for your friends and family, but it's also a time when credit card fraud is at an all-time high.  In fact, studies have shown roughly 25% of people fall victim to credit card fraud during the holidays. Because of how common [...]

Tips to Help Avoid Internet Fraud

Today, where the internet plays a crucial role in our daily lives, it is essential to be vigilant and proactive in helping protect yourself from internet fraud. Online scams and fraudulent activities continue to evolve, targeting unsuspecting individuals and causing substantial financial and personal harm. The Federal Trade Commission released a statement analyzing annual [...]

How to Avoid Charity Scams for Israel-Hamas War Aid

If you're considering donating to help the victims of the Israel-Hamas war, it's important to be vigilant and aware of potential charity scams that could divert your hard-earned money to scammers. Criminals often fly under the radar to impersonate real charities, especially during times of conflict and war, social unrest, global health crises, or natural [...]

10 Tips for Traveler Identity Theft Protection

Travel has become an essential part of everyday life for many, offering adventure, cultural experiences, and opportunities for personal growth. However, as we embark on these journeys, we must also be vigilant guardians of our personal information. Travel identity theft is a rising concern, with cybercriminals constantly devising new ways to exploit unsuspecting travelers. [...]

Credit Card Lock vs. Credit Freeze: What’s the Difference?

Credit card locks and credit freezes are security features that can be used to help protect you from fraud and identity theft. But even though they sound similar, they perform very different functions when keeping you safe. The key difference: credit card locks help protect your credit card from fraud, while credit freezes help [...]

10 Tips for Identity Theft Protection for Military Members

Identity theft is an evolving threat that can have particularly severe consequences for military personnel. With the unique challenges and responsibilities they face, safeguarding military members’ personal information is paramount. In this article, we cover ten tips to help prevent identity theft, specifically tailored to the needs of those serving in the armed forces. [...]

7 Ways to Help Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The internet is bustling with activities kids want to explore. But just as you wouldn’t send your child outdoors without some guidance, the same applies to their time online. How can you actively protect your kids online without hovering over their shoulder every second? This guide offers practical steps to help you build a secure [...]

Smart TV Scams: How to Avoid the Growing Threat

Smart TVs – such as Roku and Amazon Fire TV sticks with streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube TV – it seems like everyone has them these days. With the ability to watch just about any show your heart desires with the click of a button, the convenience is unbeatable. But like we’ve [...]

5 Latest Amazon Scams and Tips to Avoid Them

Ah, Amazon. The go-to marketplace for anything from gadgets to groceries. You love the convenience, the variety, and, let's be honest, the near-immediate shipping. It's all fantastic, right? But lurking behind those unbeatable deals and endless aisles of products are crafty scammers who want nothing more than to hijack your comfort zone for their [...]

How to Get Your Credit Ready for an Application

Whether it's the allure of building a solid credit foundation, the desire to boost spending power, or the initial steps towards homeownership, a credit card can be an invaluable tool in shaping anyone’s financial life. Thankfully, the journey to credit card approval doesn't have to be filled with doubts and uncertainties. In this article, we [...]

The Importance of Family Identity Theft Protection

In today’s interconnected world, your family’s digital footprint grows every time you click, post, or shop online. While the internet has its perks, it also exposes your personal details that could be vulnerable to misuse. Do you know that 1.25 million American children were victims of identity fraud last year? This blog sheds light [...]

How to Spot Student Loan Scams

As Americans struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic, one effort to help was student loan forbearance. Federal student loans start accruing interest again this month and repayments will begin again in October. However, scammers are looking for ways to trick student loan borrowers once payments resume. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are trying [...]

How Do I Get an IP PIN from the IRS?

Tax season provides an opportunity for criminals to commit tax-related identity theft using stolen taxpayer information to file tax returns and claim fraudulent tax refunds. Recovering from tax identity theft can be time-consuming and might delay any legitimate tax refund you may be owed. One way to proactively prevent tax identity theft is to [...]

What Happens to Your Credit After 7 Years?

Having a good credit report is important if you want to take out loans, apply for a mortgage, or get low interest rates. Your credit score is determined by major credit bureaus, including Experian®, TransUnion®, and Equifax®, and they independently set your credit score based on information they receive from your lenders. If you [...]

How to Identify and Avoid Holiday Phishing Scams

The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and… a surge in online scams. While you’re shopping for gifts or booking flights, hackers are plotting to trick you into revealing your personal details and financial information. Holiday phishing scams are an ongoing issue that ramps up when folks are feeling the most festive. About three-quarters of American [...]

Identity Theft Victim? Here’s Your Essential Checklist

Dealing with identity theft is like having your personal space invaded in the worst possible way. It's unsettling, to say the least. But don't worry, we’ve got your back! If you've found yourself as an identity theft victim in this unfortunate situation, take a deep breath and let's tackle this step by step. Here's your [...]

Is a Debt Consolidation Loan Right for You?

Personal debt in the United States is at an all-time high, leading many Americans to look for creative ways to eliminate it. According to The Motley Fool, the average American has just over $100,000 in debt, split between personal loans, mortgages, credit card debt, student loans, and more. Because of the high interest rates [...]

What is Clone Phishing and How Do I Avoid It?

Nowadays, cyber threats are something we can't ignore – and as technology advances, so do the methods used by scammers. One of the most devious tricks that they use is called clone phishing. In this blog post, we dive into the world of clone phishing, shedding light on what it is, the potential risks [...]

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