Identity Theft - Be Vigilant!

Identity theft CANNOT be totally prevented. All one can do is to be vigilant and to make it more difficult to be a victim and to know what to do if your information is compromised.

1. According to one expert the weakest link in Cyber Security is PEOPLE, the Human Factor. Think before acting. NEVER open a link or attachment unless you are 100% positive of the source and know the sender. When in doubt contact the sender with the number you already have. Do not call the number provided by the sender on the e-mail or attachment/link. Click with Caution!

2. Change passwords regularly – 10 characters or more using upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols

3. Consider using one device for all banking and financial matters, and NEVER go onto the internet/web with it - and another device for internet/on line use.

4. Make a copy or take a picture of everything in your wallet. This will come in handy if it is lost or stolen. And DO NOT carry anything more than necessary in your wallet. Carrying a blank check or all or most of your credit cards Is not needed. Almost all stores now accept a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Take a specific store card for the day only if planning on using it. Basically, declutter your wallet.
5. When on vacation carry one major credit card in your wallet and one in your pocket, just in case you lose your wallet.

6. Phone message, live phone or e-mail threats from the IRS or some other party are almost 100% bogus. Hang up or report it to the authorities. The IRS or bankers typically do not call you. Call them back using a number NOT provided by the sender.

7. Shred EVERYTING with your name or any information on it with a zig/zag shredder and not a straight line one. Even magazine covers. There are dumpster divers out there seeking your information.

8. Memorize your pins on put them in your phone/electronic device where they are secure. DO not carry them with you or leave in the open at home.

9. NEVER give personal information to anyone by phone, on line or thru ANY electronic device unless you initiate the matter. Callers will use all kinds of tricks or even threaten you to get you to wire or send money. DON’T!

10. Don’t leave stuff in your vehicle that has any personal information on it.

11. Don’t give your kids’ SS number to anyone who asks for it, including medical offices. Ask why they need it. Provide it on an as need basis. Someone can steal their info and use their identity as well.

12. When answering your phone if someone asks is this “John” or whatever your name is – don’t say yes. Someone can record this YES, a use it in various ways.

13. Be careful and cautious as to what you put on any social media platform. Think about using a two-factor authentication on these and financial accounts. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi minimize the use of personal information when on these sites.

14. Never confirm any passwords or user ID info from any sender.

15. Completely destroy/smash any device that has any digital information on it when throwing out.

16. Paying bills online is convenient but don’t leave paid bills in your mailbox to be mailed out.

17. Think about encrypting your e-mails and messaging, especially if you are in business and combine them with a password lock.

18. Try never to let your credit or debit card out of your sight, even at restaurants. Someone can quickly snap a picture of your card and get your account number.

19. Think about setting up alerts with your bank or credit card companies anytime your card is used, or account accessed, especially when traveling, let them know you are leaving and where you are going.

20. Should you think your identity or information has been compromised immediate and quick action is needed on your part. Do the following as quickly as possible:

· Contact the credit bureaus and put a freeze on your credit file and have them put a fraud alert on your file.

· Notify any affected Bank or Credit Card Company ASAP.

· Immediately check all your bank and investment accounts as well as your credit card balances

· Check your credit report on line QUICKLY.

21. Check your credit report three times a year for free. The three main reporting companies are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Access one of them in the first quarter, one in the summer and another in the fourth quarter – this gives you three free looks. Annualcreditreport.com or Credit Karma are two sites you can use to access your credit.

22. There are internal threats – family members, relatives, employees, vendors, etc. – we often let our guard down around them. External – Hackers, criminals, cyber predators. Be careful with both groups.

23. Protect your children. If someone has stolen their identity you will probably not know about it before they are 18 because they shouldn’t have any credit profile before they can sign for a credit card or student loan, etc. So, if someone stole their SS number and created and fraudulent loan or credit card application you wouldn’t know about it. Check their credit around the age of 16 or 17, before they apply to colleges, or for a job where having clean credit is a must, like at a bank or before their first student loan or apartment lease.

24. Monitor your bank and financial accounts regularly – several times a week. Don’t wait for monthly bank, financial or credit card statements.

25. Please remember an identity thief just doesn’t want to access your cash or credit, they may also want to establish new accounts or loans in your name or to steal your tax rebate

What is the ‘Dark Web’ – I am sure you probably have heard of it. Attached is a link or article about it.

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2018/what-is-the-dark-web.html

Yes – it is a job to protect your identity. You are your best line of defense. Think before clicking or acting. And please consider using an Identity Theft Monitoring Company

Dennis Dovie | 10/25/2018

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Identity Theft - Be Vigilant!