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Seven Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Fraud is rampant and you don’t want to become a victim. Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself. Here are seven ideas:
- Freeze your credit. Contact all three credit bureaus, Experian, Transunion and Equifax. Follow the simple steps outlined for each one to freeze your credit. This prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name. It even prevents you from opening new accounts, so if you would like to apply for new credit, temporarily lift the credit freeze. The steps to lift a freeze are simple to follow at each credit bureau.
- Monitor your credit report. All three bureaus will provide a free credit report once per year. Monitor your report to make sure it’s accurate.
- Avoid the mail. Don’t mail checks if you can pay online. Opt out of paper statements in favor or electronic delivery. Mail is insecure and subject to theft and tampering.
- Monitor your bank accounts. Online banking makes these easy. Be on the lookout for unusual activity.
- Use strong passwords. Avoid using anything easy to guess like the name of a pet or your user ID.
- Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA) when available. MFA usually involves a code being sent by text or email to gain access in addition to the user name and password.
- Be vigilant about email and text frauds. The Consulate in Nigeria isn’t going to send you millions of dollars! Beware emails from familiar names tied to incorrect email addresses.
