They say imitation is the best form of flattery, but not when it comes to identity theft! Here’s how to keep scammers from getting ahold of all those details that make you, YOU.
Freeze your credit.
To help stop fraudsters from opening a loan in your name, you can set up a credit freeze at all three credit bureaus’ websites (you’ll need to do each one separately at Equifax.com, Experian.com and TransUnion.com). When you’re ready to apply for a credit card or loan, simply log back in to those sites to “unfreeze” your credit report so a legit lender can access it.
Don’t overshare on social media.
Use privacy settings to hide your birthdate, employer, family members or other identifying info. And think twice before joining the trend of sharing your “list of favorites” or your first pet, car, job, etc. – scammers use these details to crack security questions.
Secure your devices.
Even if public Wi-Fi requires a password, it doesn’t mean it’s secure. Avoid accessing financial accounts or shopping online unless you’re using a secured website. Also, make sure your devices are password-protected (typically done in your device’s settings) and have the latest anti-virus software.
There’s only one you – and hopefully these tips help keep it that way. Share them with family and friends, too! If you think your personal information has been compromised, or if you’ve given out your username, password, PIN or account info, please reach out to your financial institution right away. Summit members, we’re here to help at 800-236-5560.
Source:
Equifax.com
