Is Dark Web Monitoring Worth It?

In a world where cyber threats are increasingly prevalent, the dark web has become a breeding ground for criminal activity. This has left individuals and businesses wondering whether dark web monitoring is worth the investment. This blog explores the ins and outs of dark web monitoring, including what it is, how it works, and [...]

What Do I Do If My Social Security Card is Stolen?

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 [...]

NFT Scams – How They Work and How To Spot Them

In recent years, the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) experienced a significant increase with its value exceeding $23 billion last year alone, according to DappRadar. However, this growth also led to an increase in NFT scams where bad actors stole login credentials or deceived buyers. In this blog, we explain how these scams operate [...]

Home Title Theft – How It Works & How To Prevent It

Home title theft is a growing threat that can risk your property and financial well-being. Protect yourself by reading this blog, which explains how home title theft works and provides practical advice to help you prevent it. What Is Home Title Theft & How Does It Happen? Home title theft is a type of fraud [...]

Why Are Military Members More Vulnerable to Identity Theft?

As May is Military Appreciation Month, a month-long observance to honor active service members and veterans, it's important to note that serving in the military doesn't guarantee protection against identity theft. Unfortunately, military personnel and their loved ones are at higher risk of becoming victims of identity theft and other types of fraud. Here [...]

What is Employment Identity Theft and How Can It Happen?

Employment identity theft is when someone uses your name and personal information to gain employment. Like other forms of fraud, employment identity theft is illegal and can have devastating financial consequences for its victims. Here’s what you need to know about employment identity theft, and what to do if you find out you’ve become [...]

Tax Season Scams: How to Protect Your Identity

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. Many scams occur, but most have a common goal: filing a fraudulent tax return [...]

How Does Identity Theft Affect Your Credit Score?

Identity theft is no joke. Unfortunately, it can have some serious consequences for your financial health. One of the most significant impacts it can have is on your credit score. This blog explains how identity theft affects your credit score and gives tips to help protect it. How Does Identity Theft Impact Your Credit [...]

Tax Identity Theft: A Comprehensive Guide

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? Here's a comprehensive guide on tax identity theft, how it works, and what to do if you suspect it. What Is Tax Identity Theft? Tax identity theft happens when someone [...]

How to Prevent Tax Identity Theft

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 [...]

SIM Swap Scams: How SIM Swapping Works and How To Protect Yourself

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, SIM swap scams are on the rise. The FBI reported that they had received 1,611 SIM swapping complaints with losses of more than $68 million in 2021. If you're unfamiliar with this scam, it takes advantage of people's lack of knowledge of how SIM cards work and [...]

How Can I Find Out If Someone is Using My Social Security Number?

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). In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take to find out if someone is using your SSN and what to do if you discover [...]

Tax Prep Checklist: What You Need to File Your Taxes and Help Prevent Tax Fraud

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 [...]

How to Not Get Scammed Buying Tickets

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 [...]

LifeLock Data Breach Compromises Thousands! Learn How to Help Protect Your Online Identity

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 [...]

Can Your Identity Be Stolen From Your Passport?

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 [...]

How Can College Students Avoid Identity Theft?

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?

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 [...]

How Identity Theft Damages More Than Just Your Credit Scores

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 [...]

How Do You Protect Yourself from Credit Card Skimmers?

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 [...]

Can Your Identity Be Stolen from Your Phone Number?

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 [...]

Can My Identity be Stolen from My Birth Certificate?

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 [...]

Can Someone Change Your Address Without Your Knowledge?

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 [...]

Do People Go Through Trash 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 [...]

How Can Biometrics Prevent Identity Theft?

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

How to Avoid Rideshare Scams While Traveling

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 [...]

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 [...]

Should I Report Identity Theft to the Police?

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 [...]

How Do I Help Protect My Identity After Losing My Wallet?

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 [...]

How to Help Protect Your Identity Offline

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 [...]

4 Tips to Help Avoid Identity Theft During the Homebuying Process

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 [...]

How Virtual Phone Numbers Can Help Protect Your Identity

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, [...]

Are College Students Targeted by Identity Thieves?

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 [...]

How to Dispose Outdated Electronics to Protect Your Identity

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 [...]

Why Identity Theft Protection is an Important Employee Benefit

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 [...]

How to Avoid and Report Boss Scams

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 [...]

How to Protect My Business from Identity Theft?

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 [...]

Can a Driver’s License Be Used for Identity Theft?

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 [...]

Can Robocalls Steal Your Identity?

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, [...]

8 Common Identity Theft Scams

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 [...]

How Independent Contractors Can Use Employee Identification Numbers to Help Prevent Identity Theft

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 [...]

Protect Your Personal Documents to Avoid Medical Identity Theft

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 [...]

How to Protect Your Identity When You Move Into a New Home

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 [...]

How to Protect Your Mail from Identity Theft

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 [...]

What is Dark Web Monitoring?

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

How Cybercriminals Use Stolen Personal Data for Tax Fraud

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 [...]

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.   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 [...]

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Post a Photo of Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card Online

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 [...]

What is Identity Theft Insurance?

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 [...]

Don’t Fall Victim to COVID-19 Vaccine Phishing Schemes

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 [...]

4 Identity Theft Myths to Stop Believing

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 [...]

2 Things You Can Do to Help Reach Your Credit Goals in the New Year

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 [...]

How Oversharing About Your Kids on Social Media Can Lead to Identity Theft

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 [...]

Fake Employer Scams Soar During Coronavirus Pandemic

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 [...]

Credit Card Fraud Can Happen to Anyone – Even TV Personality Sharon Osborne and Rocker Husband Ozzy

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 [...]

How to Help Protect Minor Children from Synthetic Identity Theft

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 [...]

How to Help Protect a Deceased Loved One from Identity Theft

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 [...]

Phishing and Malware Attacks Most Common Techniques for Credential Theft

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 [...]

How to Help Protect Your Medical Records from Cybercriminals

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 [...]

How to Avoid Coronavirus Contact Tracer Scams

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 [...]

How Early Detection Can Minimize the Damage Done by Identity Theft, Especially During COVID-19

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 [...]

Hackers Preying on Pandemic: 5 Common Sense Tools to Protect Yourself

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. [...]

Protect Yourself and Your Children from Identity Theft

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. [...]

FICO to Release FICO Scores 10 and 10T as Newest Versions of Credit Scores

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 Data Breach Exposed Customer Data and Payment Info to Hacker Syndicate

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 [...]

Watch Out for Scams This Holiday Season

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 [...]

What is Synthetic Identity Theft?

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 [...]

The Origins and History of the Dark Web

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 [...]

SIM Swap Scams: How to Protect Yourself

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: Differences Along with Pros & Cons

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 [...]

Watch Out for This Google Calendar Phishing Scam

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. [...]

Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan to Keep Your Identity Safe

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 [...]

Scammers Use AI-Generated Voice Deepfake to Steal Almost $250,000 from CEO

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 [...]

Instagram Accounts at Risk with New Phishing Scam Using False 2-Factor Authentication

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 [...]

Five Charged in ‘Largest Criminal Case Ever’ of Identity Theft Targeting Military Members and Veterans

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 [...]

My Information is for Sale on the Dark Web: What Should I Do?

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 is Booming: Is Your Info at Risk?

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 [...]

4 Realistic Anti-Fraud Changes You Can Make Now

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: [...]

8 Warning Signs You Might Be a Victim of Identity Theft

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 [...]

5 Travel Scams to Avoid When You Reach Your Destination

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 [...]

Graduation Means More Freedom, But Also More Risk for Fraud and Identity Theft

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? [...]

ID Theft: What to Do to Recover Your Identity & Credit

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 [...]

Child Identity Theft: Prevention & Protection Guide

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 [...]

5 Strategies for Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online

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), [...]

4 Reasons Identity Theft is a Major Threat During the Holiday Season

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 [...]

The Social Threat: How Criminals Can Use the Information You Share on Social Media

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 [...]

6 Common Credit Report Inaccuracies

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 [...]

6 Tips for Protecting Your Social Security Number

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 [...]

5 Password Best Practices You Should be Using

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 [...]

Free Credit Report Freezes Are on the Way: Here’s What You Need to Know

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 [...]

Seven Reasons to Pull Your Credit Report Right Now

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 [...]

Synthetic Identity Fraud Targets Children in a Long Con

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 [...]

Credit Card Lost or Stolen? Here’s What to Do

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. [...]

How to Protect Your Physical Documents from Identity Theft

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 [...]

Why to Always Use a Credit Card Over a Debit Card to Avoid Fraud

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 [...]

How the Dark Web Can Threaten Your Credit and Financial Security

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 [...]

Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: Which is Safer for Online Shopping?

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 [...]

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