Identity Theft: What Steps Can You Take?
Safeguarding your identity is no longer optional, it’s essential. Identity theft is a growing threat that can disrupt your financial goals, damage your credit, and create costly legal headaches. The good news? You can significantly reduce your risk by staying diligent and implementing the practices below.
1. Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze is one of the most effective tools for protecting yourself. It prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name which is one of the most common tactics used by identity thieves. You can place a freeze for free with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can unfreeze it temporarily if you’re applying for a loan or credit card. See InSight’s article on how to freeze your credit.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Yes, it can be annoying. However, it’s especially important for your banking, investment, and email accounts, to enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. Even if someone gets access to your login, they won’t be able to get in without the secondary code sent to your device or authentication app.
3. Verify Calls or Messages Before Responding
If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank and asks for your login credentials or says your account has been compromised, do not engage. Instead, hang up and call the institution directly using the number listed on their official website.
4. Utilize Client Portals or Encrypted Messaging Systems
Email should not be used to send sensitive information. Use secure, encrypted communication channels provided by your financial institution such as a secure client portal to send your personal information.
5. Use a Password Manager
Rather than writing down passwords which can be lost or stolen, use a reputable password manager. These secure tools store all your passwords in one encrypted location and can generate strong, unique passwords for each account. You only need to remember one master password.
6. Monitor Your Accounts
Get into the habit of reviewing your bank, credit card, and investment accounts regularly. Look for any transactions you don’t recognize, even small ones. Thieves often test the waters with small charges before making larger moves. Consider setting up automatic alerts for transactions over a certain amount.
What To Avoid?
1. Don’t Reuse the Same Password Across Accounts
2. Don’t Click Suspicious Links in Emails or Texts
Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated. If something feels off, navigate directly to the financial institution’s website yourself instead of clicking a link.
3. Don’t Overshare on Social Media Information like your pet’s name, hometown, or birthday can be used to guess passwords or answer security questions.
4. Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Protecting your identity doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it just takes a bit of awareness and consistency. Slowing down, double-checking requests, and taking a few simple steps to secure your information can go a long way. A little extra diligence now can save a lot of trouble later.
Boulder County Residents: Click here for your guide to reporting and recovering from identity theft.
