With the New Year comes the time for filing your taxes. You should already be preparing to get your information together to file last year’s taxes. When the time comes to officially file, you do not want to end up with missing documents or information. This can significantly lengthen the filing process and even [...]
If attending the biggest sporting events, festivals and concerts is a big part of your vacation plans, it can be a bummer to find out that the ticket deal you scored is a scam. After all, you are making a hefty investment to be there, which you know after budgeting out your vacation. And it [...]
Recently, thousands of Norton LifeLock customer accounts were compromised in a data breach. Criminal hackers attempted to break into Norton LifeLock customer accounts and possible password managers, meaning they might have gained access to customers’ usernames, passwords and other personal information. The company reports credential stuffing as the likely culprit for the attack. Credential [...]
Most of us are familiar with the concept of identity theft – someone stealing your personal information and using it to commit fraud or other crimes. You can try to take all the proper precautions, but, unfortunately, your identity still might be at risk. For example, this can happen if your passport falls into [...]
College students have many different things competing for their attention, from classes to school activities to an active social life. With all these demands, fighting identity theft might not seem like a pressing matter. But students are prime targets for identity theft, which can cause long-term damage to their finances and credit. Why Are [...]
Is IdentityIQ a scam? Does a company that protects you and your family’s identity really exist? Yes, in fact, IdentityIQ services not only monitor your identity, but you also receive credit report monitoring, meaning your identity and credit are protected. IdentityIQ plans also feature device security with anti-virus and VPN. So, you have complete [...]
Having a good credit score can be extremely beneficial when pursuing important financial goals like opening a credit card, taking out a loan or buying a car or a home. It can even help you land certain types of jobs or rent your dream apartment. For this reason, it’s very important to protect your [...]
As technology has adapted and grown over the years, so has fraudulent ways of gathering people’s information. Thieves now have the ability to place a small device or camera onto ATM machines, and most customers have no way of knowing. A credit card skimmer is a device installed onto card readers that collects the [...]
When it comes to helping prevent identity theft, there’s a lot of personal information you should safeguard, so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. This information ranges from your name and physical address to your Social Security number (SSN). But you might not think twice about giving out your phone number whenever someone [...]
For most U.S. citizens, an official birth certificate may be the most critical document to have in their possession. Birth certificates back up your identity using your name, date of birth, place of birth, your sex/gender as recorded at birth and the identity of your parents. They’re commonly referred to as “breeder documents” because [...]
No one ever expects to be a victim of identity theft. But the unfortunate truth is that it happens more often than you might think. According to AARP, one in four people is the victim of identity theft in the United States. Unfortunately, criminals don't always need your personal information to steal your identity [...]
When people mention identity theft, it’s only natural that your mind goes to the internet, dark web and digital identity theft. However, you’d be surprised to learn about the number of people actively digging through your trash to find information on your identity. Statistics from the Green Team indicate that Americans receive more than 4 million tons [...]
Identity theft continues to be a growing crime in America. According to Javelin Strategy, nearly 15 million Americans had their identities stolen in 2021. However, with technological advancements, preventing identity theft has become possible. For example, biometric technology has made it easier for us to protect our personal information and made it difficult for criminals [...]
You’ve probably come across the term identity theft. But what about criminal identity theft? What does it mean? Criminal identity theft refers to a crime where a thief impersonates another person when caught committing a crime. The thief uses an individual's personally identifiable information, including full name, driver's license number, Social Security number and [...]
As the threat of identity theft continues to rise yearly, it’s important to watch out for signs that someone is using your Social Security number (SSN). Criminals can use SSNs to obtain government-issued documents and identification, apply for loans or credit cards, file fraudulent tax returns, falsely claim government benefits and more. Identity theft can [...]
If you’re planning a vacation around the country, traveling has never been easier, especially with so many rideshare opportunities available to make it easy to get around. Apps like Uber and LYFT are highly accessible and easy to use. Many people rely on them, but it’s important to know that ride sharing apps are associated [...]
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 [...]
It's natural to feel sleepless, worried and anxious once you realize you've become a victim of identity theft. You might wonder what to do. You might also wonder if you should report the identity theft to police. Here’s help in finding out if you should report identity theft to your local police department. When Should [...]
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. If you’re lucky, you [...]
Home title theft is a kind of crime that involves stealing the legal right to a property, such as your home. This can happen when someone steals your identity and uses it to fraudulently take over the title on your property. It's a growing problem that can have devastating effects on homeowners and their financial [...]
The media often covers data breaches and cyberattacks that expose the personal data of large groups of people, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft and other forms of fraud. One of the best ways to help protect yourself from digital threats like these is to safeguard your data online. But your personal data isn’t just [...]
When you apply for a mortgage loan to buy a home, you have to share a lot of personal information with your mortgage broker and lender. You may need to provide sensitive information such as your name, address, Social Security number, pay stubs, bank statements, information about your investment and retirement accounts, copies of your [...]
Do you freely give out your phone number when you’re signing up on a shopping website or meeting a new acquaintance? If so, you should know that criminals can use your phone number to commit identity theft. For example, scammers may try to spoof (impersonate) your legitimate phone number to contact your friends and family, [...]
Non-fungible tokens – known as NFTs – are distinctive digital assets representing objects like art, music, videos, and games that belong exclusively to the owner and exist on a blockchain digital ledger. In essence, NFTs allow owners to gain sole possession of a prized item just as a collector would, except the item is a [...]
When it comes to identity theft, young adults are a primary target. Students are four times more likely to be targets of fraud that can go undetected for years compared to other consumers. In fact, 15% of students deal with severe or moderate impacts from fraud, according to a report from Tulane University. Criminals [...]
Your iPhone is ancient, your laptop is malfunctioning, and your tablet is due for an upgrade. Of course, there comes a time for everyone to toss their old tech and level up to the latest version. But before trashing your old tech, make sure you don’t leave your personal information out there for the [...]
Employees are a company’s most valuable asset. According to Consumer Affairs, between 2019 and 2020, there was a 311% rise in identity theft victims. An employer can help keep their employees safe by providing identity theft protection. Identity theft protection as an employee benefit protects employees and protects the employer. Here’s why identity theft monitoring [...]
A boss scam is a phishing (email) or smishing (text messages) scam used by hackers. Hackers send fraudulent emails or texts in the boss scam, impersonating your boss or another executive. Information gathered through such scams can then be used for illegal activities and identity theft. The Better Business Bureau has warned the public [...]
According to recent reports, identity theft is on the rise. Javelin Strategy reported identity theft resulted in an annual loss of $56 million in a mixed result of different criminal and fraudulent activities last year. When it comes to keeping your business database secure, there can be numerous challenges. If you are worried about [...]
Your driver’s license has your personal information. So, that means it can be the perfect tool for identity thieves. The Identity Theft Resource Center states that the driver’s licenses of more than 150 million U.S. citizens have been compromised in the last four years. Unfortunately, the threat of identity fraud through your driver’s license is [...]
Have you ever received a call to update your car warranty, but you have no car? Did the message sound like a recording? Well, that’s a robocall or an automated call. A robocall is a pre-recorded message delivered by a computerized dialer. These calls are often associated with telemarketing companies and political parties. But, scammers [...]
Would you believe that incidents of identity fraud increased by more than 40% from 2019 to 2020? A report created by GIACT titled U.S. Identity Theft: The Stark Reality found financial loss related to identity theft rose by approximately 42% in 2020. With that huge increase, how can you protect yourself? The answer is education [...]
If you’re a sole proprietor or independent contractor, there’s a good chance you’ve used your Social Security number (SSN) to conduct business. Whether you’re filing taxes, applying for a business credit card or other general business activities, sole proprietors often have to use a SSN when there isn’t an alternative. Unfortunately, using your SSN [...]
Personal medical documents are valuable assets. Unfortunately, that means criminals are after those documents, too. Medical documents may contain personal information that includes your name, location, contact information, insurance policies, Social Security number and history of medical treatment. Criminals can use this information to open fraudulent accounts or even receive medical treatment using your identity. Your [...]
Moving to a new home takes intense preparation, physical labor and tedious administrative tasks like switching all your utilities to a new address. During a hectic move, you’re uniquely vulnerable to identity theft as criminals can take advantage of forgotten documents or confusion over addresses to steal your identity. Make sure you’re protecting your identity [...]
The mail contains some of the most sensitive information that you can have: your name, address, contact information, bank account number and routing number on mailed checks, financial statements and much more. Despite this vulnerability, unlocked mailboxes and easily-opened paper envelopes leave mail especially vulnerable to thieves. Criminals can use the information contained in your [...]
When your Social Security card is stolen, it can be a major cause for concern. The primary concern with a stolen Social Security card is identity theft. With just your Social Security number, identity thieves can wreak havoc in your name, negatively impacting your credit, finances and even commit crimes in your name. As soon [...]
Dark web monitoring is a service that scans the dark web for signs that your personal information is being used fraudulently. While the dark web serves many legitimate functions, the anonymity of it also attracts people who are buying and selling illegal goods and services – including stolen personal information. With so many data breaches [...]
On average there are three data breaches a day, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. So, that means your personal information might be at risk. If you’ve been notified you have been compromised in a data breach or suspect your personal information has been exposed, here are some concrete steps you can take to [...]
When an identity thief has purchased your personal information from a data breach, they can use it for all manner of malicious purposes. One common use is tax identity theft. This means a criminal might have purchased your bank account details and tax documents online and then have authenticated access to your bank account. Then [...]
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. Last year alone more than 300 million consumers were impacted by data breaches, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Let’s break down how cybercriminals [...]
You may have noticed that nestled in with baby announcements, social-distancing birthday photos and dog snaps, social media posts are now also featuring people celebrating getting their COVID-19 vaccinations. It’s natural that after a year of living under pandemic restrictions people are eager to share their experiences with the shot. One thing you should avoid [...]
Identity theft insurance is a type of insurance policy that can help victims recover from losses caused by identity theft. It may be offered as a standalone policy, or as a benefit with other types of insurance or identity protection plans. Not all identity theft insurance policies offer the same level of coverage. If you’re [...]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are trying online dating for the first time. Unfortunately, scammers are looking to take advantage of that. Especially during Valentine’s Day and the season of love, singles looking to make that special love connection via an online dating app need to be particularly aware of online romance scams. MatchGroup, [...]
Every year, tax season presents a seasonal opportunity for criminals seeking monetary gain from identity theft. There are many ways that scammers may try to obtain personal information, but the end goal is to file a falsified tax return in the taxpayer’s name and claim a tax refund. The scheme may not be discovered until [...]
As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to become available to more people, be aware of potential phishing scams related to the vaccine. It’s important to stay vigilant to certain warning signs prevent you from being a phishing scam. Two vaccines to prevent coronavirus infections have now been granted authorization for emergency use. Every day thousands of [...]
Identity theft has been around for a long time, and it continues to evolve and adapt with the times. With the variety of scams out there, it’s easy to get bogged down in rumors and half-truths. When it comes to identity theft, you need to avoid believing misinformation and spreading it to others. Here are [...]
The start of a new year is a great time to reassess your financial health and implement habits that help positively impact your credit profile. Monitoring your credit report and identity is the best place to start your financial resolutions since it can have a ripple effect in other aspects of your life as the [...]
Every day, criminals scour the internet for personal information they can use to commit fraud and identity theft. In this digital age, individuals need to take steps to protect their privacy and information from fraudsters. This is as true for children as it is for adults, as kids can be victims of identity theft well [...]
As unemployment numbers continue to climb, so do fake employer scams that are preying on those searching for work. In fact, there have been triple-digit increases in fake employer scams that aim to gain access to personal and financial information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online human resources schemes where criminals pose as potential employers have [...]
Anyone can fall victim to credit card fraud. Take television personality Sharon Osborne, for instance. “The Talk” host recently shared with viewers she and rocker husband Ozzy were credit card fraud victims, according to FOX News. Osbourne revealed, “Someone rang up charges and maxed out Ozzy's card and my card. I called through to the [...]
According to the Federal Reserve, synthetic identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft in the country. Synthetic identity theft occurs when a criminal uses a combination of real and falsified data to create a fictional identity for financial gain and other fraud. Children are particularly appealing victims for synthetic identity [...]
No one is completely safe from identity theft – not even after they die. In a form of identity theft known as “ghosting”, criminals can use a deceased person’s personal information to file false tax returns, claim Social Security benefits, open fraudulent loans and credit cards and more. Millions of deceased Americans have their identity [...]
Every day we use our personal information for access to online accounts, smart devices and other resources. This happens so frequently that the sensitivity of credential information can be taken for granted. A recent study by password management company LastPass found that a staggering 61 percent of business users reuse the same passwords for multiple [...]
Medical records are a prime target for cybercriminals, and data breaches are a frequent occurrence in the health care industry. These records are valuable because they may contain a large variety of personal information, including your name, address, insurance information, Social Security number (SSN) and medical history. Medical records can be used to commit many [...]
Across the country, states have implemented contact tracing programs to help track the spread of the coronavirus. Contact tracing is the process of finding individuals who have come in contact with a person who has COVID-19, learning about their movements and asking them to quarantine or monitor their symptoms. Contact tracers are hired by their [...]
Protecting your identity is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy credit and financial security. This is especially true in the age of COVID-19 scams, data breaches, cybersecurity threats and identity theft, when becoming a victim of fraud can do lasting damage to your credit and finances. The longer that identity theft continues unnoticed, the greater [...]
With hackers and scammers going to unprecedented lengths to steal information during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to know about tools you can use to help make it more difficult for criminals to access your information. While data security and identity theft are complicated issues, taking steps to reduce your exposure doesn’t have to be. [...]
Remember the last time you were on an airplane and heard, “Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead bins. Please place the oxygen mask over your own mouth and nose first before assisting others.” As a mom, that’s somewhat startling to hear because your instinct is to always put your children first and yourself second. [...]
Tax season can sometimes be stressful — even when things go according to plan — but what happens when you are the victim of tax identity theft? Unfortunately, if your identity is stolen and used for tax-related fraud, you might never receive that tax refund. If someone used your personal information to file a fraudulent [...]
Tax season is officially here with Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, Feb. 3 – 7. While it’s important to be on high alert and protect your identity all year long, tax season is an especially vulnerable time. Every tax season, identity thieves run a variety of scams to get their hands on taxpayers’ personal information. [...]
FICO® has announced its newest credit score models – the FICO Score 10 and FICO Score 10T – with a focus on consumer personal loans and credit trends. The new FICO Scores aim to reward those who pay lenders on time and give lenders more precision and predictability powers when making lending decisions, said Jim [...]
Macy’s officials have alerted customers that their personal data and payment information may have been exposed via a data breach on the department store’s retail website. The breach allowed an “unauthorized third party” to harvest customers’ personal data and payment card information from macys.com. According to a letter to customers dated Nov. 14, Macy’s officials [...]
This holiday season alone, retail industry professionals expect Americans to spend more than $1 trillion. Criminals see this increased spending as an opportunity to rip off consumers, steal their money, and obtain their personal data to commit fraud and identity theft. It pays to be vigilant. Here are four types of scams to watch out [...]
Protect yourself and your family Identity thieves and fraudsters consistently innovate and adapt to new security measures when it comes to their crimes. One of the more modern cons, known as synthetic identity theft, is high on the list of concerns for legislators and financial institutions alike. Any demographic could be vulnerable to this form [...]
Accessing the Dark Web? You’ll need Tor For anyone to access the dark web, a special type of software and web browser is required. The most well-known and frequently-used software is the Tor browser, which stands for The Onion Router. Tor protects the anonymity of its users by using multiple layers of encryption. Keep in [...]
A SIM swap scam occurs when thieves have gained enough of your personal information to convince a wireless provider to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card that is in their control. Once they have your phone number, they will try to access your accounts, including email, banking and even social media, and [...]
Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock: What’s the Difference? Credit freezes and credit locks are often confused for one another since they protect consumers’ credit files from fraud in similar ways. They are, however, two different actions. As more people take preventative measures to protect their identity, it’s important to know how each of these actions [...]
Email and phone phishing scams are commonplace in the modern age. Their goal is to trick you into providing personal information, such as bank account numbers or personally identifying data, that can be used to commit fraud or identify theft. But thanks to spam filters and call screening, many phishing scams now go ignored. [...]
September is National Preparedness Month, so now is the time to create a plan to keep your personal information safe in case of a disaster. When a hurricane, wildfire, or tornado hit, you will need to make sure you have access to your personal identifiable information (PII) as well as other important documents to help [...]
An energy firm is out almost $250,000 from a high-tech phone scam that used artificial intelligence to mimic the boss’s voice. The CEO of the unnamed company, based in the United Kingdom, thought he was on the phone with his boss from the company’s German headquarters and following directions when he transferred about $243,000 to [...]
A new phishing scam is using false two-factor authentication to take over Instagram accounts. The scam, recently discovered by researchers, starts with emails stating the recipients have had a login attempt into their Instagram accounts. The email states if the recipients did not attempt to log into their accounts they need to log in and [...]
Five men have been charged with stealing millions of dollars from military members and veterans as part of an international identity theft and fraud ring that used stolen personal information to gain access to Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs benefit sites. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Frederick Brown, Robert Wayne Boling Jr., [...]
The numerous recent data breaches have exposed the personal information of millions of people and put them at risk of having their information bought and sold on the dark web. The dark web is where cybercriminals go to anonymously buy and sell information – such as names, passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security [...]
The dark web has been around for a long time, but it’s recently risen in pop culture — and for many people, it’s a relatively new concept. Increasingly frequent data breaches and cases of identity theft have put the dark web on our radars, but the subject remains strange and unclear to many people. As [...]
Now is the time to protect yourself against account fraud and identity theft, which can do massive damage to your credit and finances. Luckily, you don’t have to be a finance guru or cybersecurity wizard to better protect your money and identity. Here are four realistic anti-fraud changes you can make immediately to protect yourself: [...]
Identity thieves use stolen personal information to open fraudulent accounts, empty bank accounts, and wreak havoc on their victims’ credit and finances. If you become a victim of identity theft, it’s important to catch it early. The sooner you find out your identity has been stolen, the sooner you can take action and prevent any [...]
There are many travel scams that target tourists with the aim of separating them from their money or committing identity theft. Some scams, such as phony travel offers and fake rental listings, may occur before you even disembark on your trip. But assuming your travel arrangements are legitimate, you still need to be careful once [...]
Did you know that how you dispute fraudulent charges on a debit card is different than on a credit card? Consumer protection laws differ in each case and knowing the differences can help to keep your accounts safe from identity theft. Mainly, if you need to dispute a fraudulent debit card charge, the funds [...]
Graduation season is here and that means many young people will be heading out on their own for the first time. However, with that new-found freedom comes an increased risk for fraud and identity theft. Did you know that young people fall victim to fraud and identity theft at a higher rate than older adults? [...]
Identity Theft Recovery Plan: Start with Your Credit Report If your personal information has been compromised, maybe by a data breach or stolen credit card, check your bank accounts for fraudulent activity immediately. You may be a victim of identity theft. If you see fraudulent charges, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even lost. It’s [...]
Cybercriminals are incredibly adaptable. They learn new security measures quickly and find new ways to steal sensitive information—often preying on individuals who aren’t familiar with the signs of common scams. One of the most common techniques used to exploit web-users is the phishing scam. This article will cover what phishing is, the different phishing approaches [...]
Child identity theft is becoming a serious and costly problem that can affect families long after their children become adults. In fact, more than a million children were affected by identity theft and it cost families more than $540 million out of pocket in 2017 alone. Do you feel confident spotting the signs of child [...]
The internet is an amazing source of information, but it also contains many unique threats. One important concern in the digital age is online privacy; thieves, hackers, and other criminals may be trying to access your data and information for their own personal gain. Kids are just as vulnerable as adults (if not more so), [...]
Protecting your finances and identity is a year-round endeavor, and you should always be diligent to guard yourself against identity theft. But identity theft and fraud are especially prevalent during the holiday season. According to credit bureau Experian, fraud attempts spike during the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving and the days leading up to Christmas. What [...]
We’ve previously recommended two-factor authentication (2FA) as a useful tool for protecting your online accounts on this very blog. When enabled, 2FA requires a second verification after you enter your username and password, and it helps prevent anyone who has stolen your login credentials from gaining access to your accounts. Many organizations including banks, credit [...]
Social media networks are a great way to connect with friends and family online, but they’re also a breeding ground for scams and criminal activity. And while you may picture hackers trying to break into your account, thieves can just as easily use the information you volunteer to share publicly. It pays to be careful [...]
The information contained in your credit report should be fair and accurate. After all, it determines your credit score and helps lenders, creditors, and other companies decide whether to do business with you. Unfortunately, credit report inaccuracies are extremely common. In 2013, the FTC reported that one in five Americans had discovered an inaccuracy on [...]
With identity theft a rising threat for all Americans, it’s extremely important to keep your Social Security number safe and secure. With just a little identifying information and your Social Security number, thieves can apply for credit and open accounts in your name, wrecking your credit in the process. But your Social Security number is [...]
When it comes to protecting your online accounts, passwords are one of the most important lines of defense. Your finances, credit score, and identity are all protected by the passwords you keep. Unfortunately, many people practice poor password security, which can leave them vulnerable. While passwords aren’t foolproof against thieves and hackers, using good practices [...]
Following last year’s enormous Equifax data breach that compromised the personal information of 143 million Americans, consumers were left wondering how to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft. One solution is credit freezes, which prevent thieves from using your credit to open fraudulent accounts in your name. But freezing your credit with all [...]
A lack of familiarity with your credit report could cost you big. The information in your credit report determines your ability to qualify for credit cards, loans, and even employment in some cases. Negative information in your credit report could hurt your credit score and block access to the financial products you need. You should [...]
Criminals with a lot of time on their hands are committing a con that can take years to pay off and sounds like something out of the future: Synthetic identity fraud. Instead of the traditional identity theft of stealing an existing identity from someone and posing as them, synthetic identity fraud criminals create a new [...]
Your credit card is one of the most valuable items in your wallet, and you rightfully might feel frantic if it’s been lost or stolen. But unlike some other pieces of property, federal law protects your credit card. Replacing it might be a pain, but if you act fast you can limit the damage done. [...]
Each year, millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft. It’s a serious threat, as thieves can use your personal information to open new accounts, claim tax refunds, file fraudulent Medicare claims, and more. Even if your identity isn’t stolen, thieves may try to use your personal information to gain access to your bank account [...]
Debit cards are one of the worst ways to use your money if you want your identity protected. Because it’s linked directly to your bank account, anyone with your card information can instantly withdraw all the money from your account. If that doesn’t scare you enough, there’s the fact that debit cards don’t have [...]
Despite an increasing focus on the importance of cybersecurity, organizations continue to lose consumer data to hackers and data breaches on a regular basis. It’s a widespread problem that will likely continue to grow and leave you vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. While you may know the basics of keeping yourself protected (not [...]
Online shopping offers convenience and great deals, but it also leaves you vulnerable to hackers and data breaches. Criminals are constantly trying to break into the databases of online retailers to access consumers’ personal information and debit or credit card numbers. You should take steps to protect yourself online, and that includes determining the best [...]
Staying safe as you shop online requires diligence. Some good habits, such as keeping your credit card number private, are obvious. But savvy shoppers can go above and beyond to reduce the risk of theft and fraud as they shop on the Internet, using modern technology and safeguards to protect themselves. Here are five [...]
Children are just as vulnerable to identity theft as adults, but they don’t have access to the same system of checks and alerts. By falsifying birth dates, thieves can use your child’s Social Security number to open credit cards, take out loans, apply for government benefits, and more. When it’s done to a child, identity [...]
