The odds of becoming a victim of identity theft in the United States are one in fifteen, and cybercriminals are constantly developing new, sophisticated methods to steal personal and financial information. As technology improves, so do the risks of identity theft. Being proactive in protecting your information is the best way to stay ahead of cybercriminals.
Here are seven essential tips to safeguard your identity and keep your personal data secure.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating the value of their personal information. Be mindful when sharing your name, phone number, address, or financial details online, over the phone, or in public spaces. Cybercriminals often rely on phishing, vishing, and smishing scams to trick you into willingly handing over your sensitive information.
Tip: Always assume that your personal details can be stolen and misused. If you wouldn’t share it with a stranger in person, don’t share it online or over the phone.
You post a photo of your new driver's license to celebrate getting it renewed. A scammer downloads the image, extracts the details, and uses them to open a credit card in your name.
Social media can be a goldmine for identity thieves. Many users share personal details such as birthdays, addresses, job information, or even family members’ names—all of which can be used to answer security questions.
Tip:
- Adjust privacy settings so only trusted friends can see your posts.
- Never share personal data like your phone number or home address publicly.
- Be cautious about accepting friend requests from people you don’t know.
You're working remotely from a hotel and connect to the public Wi-Fi. Without realizing it, a hacker on the same network is intercepting your login credentials when you check your bank account online.
When browsing the internet, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the best ways to protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your browsing data, online activity, and personal information are secure even on public Wi-Fi networks. It makes it much harder for hackers to track your online activity or access your personal details. If you often use public Wi-Fi or need extra security when online, a VPN should be an essential part of your privacy toolkit.
You receive an email claiming to be from your bank, warning that your account has been compromised. The email includes a link to reset your password. When you click the link, you unknowingly enter your login details on a fraudulent site that looks identical to your bank's.
Phishing scams trick you into providing personal information by imitating trusted sources. These scams come through emails, text messages, and even phone calls.
- Never click on links from unverified emails or texts.
- If you're unsure, visit the website directly by typing the URL instead of using links.
- Verify the sender before responding to any suspicious messages.
You lose your phone at a restaurant, and it has auto-login enabled for banking apps and email. A thief easily accesses your accounts, changes your passwords, and locks you out of your own financial accounts.
Your smartphone contains a treasure trove of personal information. If stolen or hacked, it could be used to access sensitive accounts.
- Use a strong passcode and biometric security (Face ID, fingerprint scan).
- Only connect to secure Wi-Fi or use a VPN.
- Install anti-virus apps and keep your software updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
Physical documents that contain your personal information, such as bank statements, credit card bills, or medical records, are prime targets for identity thieves. Avoid simply throwing them away. Shred any documents that contain sensitive information to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. This simple step can prevent a thief from using your personal details to commit fraud.
Regularly checking your bank and credit card statements and credit reports is crucial for early detection of identity theft. Watch out for any unauthorized transactions or accounts in your name, and get a free copy of your credit report annually. Immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant financial institution.
- Check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
Identity theft is a growing problem, but by taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk.
- Be mindful of what you share online.
- Use a VPN and strong passwords to protect your accounts.
- Stay alert for phishing scams and suspicious links.
- Regularly check your financial statements for unauthorized activity.
Remember, your identity is one of your most valuable assets—take care of it!
For more ways to protect yourself against fraud and identity theft, visit our Fraud Prevention Page. If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, report it to us immediately so we can take action to keep your finances secure.
Your security is our priority—stay informed and stay safe!