Say No to Identity Theft: 3 Signs You're One Click Away from Disaster

Skip Myers

Identity theft. It's a scary thought. Potential consequences include waking up to find your bank account drained; credit cards maxed out, or even worse – your good name tarnished by criminal activity.

While it might seem like Identity Theft only happens to the other guy, identity theft is a vast and growing problem, affecting millions of Americans every year.

But don't panic! There are ways to protect yourself and your personal information. By knowing the three red flags that could signal you're one click away from identity theft, you can take control and keep your data and your money safe.

Red Flag #1: Phishing Frenzy

Have you ever received an email that looks suspicious, like it's from your bank, credit card company, text messages, or even a familiar online store? If you haven't, there's a big chance that you will very soon. Phishing attacks are growing exponentially year over year showing a new level of sophistication from fraudsters through the use of generative AI.

Phishing emails are common tactics fraudsters use to trick you into giving them your personal information to access your accounts and steal your money. These emails appear legit but often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to click on a link or download an attachment that may contain malware or a virus.

Don't be fooled! Here's what to do:

• Hover, Don't Click: Before clicking any link in an email, hover your mouse over it. A preview of the destination address should appear at the bottom left corner of your browser window. Be wary if the email address doesn't match the displayed sender or has suspicious characters.
• Beware of Attachments: Avoid downloading attachments from unknown senders unless you expect a specific file. These attachments can contain malware designed to steal your information.
• Contact Directly: If you're unsure about an email's legitimacy, i.e., an email from a Gmail account pretending to be from your bank, contact the company using an alternative source like a phone number or website address you know is correct. Please don't use any contact information provided in the email itself as it could be connected to the fraudster.

Red Flag #2: Suspicious Statements and Bills

Regularly inspecting your bank statements and credit card bills is crucial in catching fraudulent activity early. Make it a habit to review these accounts and documents for any unfamiliar charges or transactions.

Spot the Signs:

• Unauthorized Purchases: See a charge for a product or service you never bought? It might be a sign your card information has been compromised.
• Account Inquiries: Notice inquiries on your credit report from creditors you haven't contacted? Suspicious inquiries could indicate someone is attempting to open new accounts in your name.
• Account Takeover: Unable to access your online bank account or credit card portal? This could be a sign your login credentials have been stolen.

Take Action:

Don't delay taking action if you suspect any fraudulent activity on your account(s). Contact your bank and credit card companies to report your findings and have your accounts frozen or closed. This swift action can prevent further damage.

Monitor Your Credit Report: You should always request a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus, including: (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at least once a year.

I recommend requesting your free credit report(s) once a year during dates and times that are easy to remember, like your birthday, tax season, etc.

• Review your report for any errors or suspicious activity and dispute them if necessary. By law, you are entitled to receive a free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus/credit reporting agencies (CRAs).
• You can request and obtain your free credit report(s) online at: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/
• By calling 1-877-322-8228 (TTY: 1-800-821-7232)

Red Flag #3: Public Wi-Fi Woes

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but can also be a haven for identity thieves. When using public Wi-Fi, you should avoid accessing your bank accounts, credit card portals, or any site with your private and personal information.

Protect Your Connection:

• Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic when on public Wi-Fi. VPNs are great because they create a secure connection between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, you make it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data.

VPNs to Consider:

• NordVPN
• Private Internet Access - PIA
• ExpressVPN
• Surfshark

More Tips:

• Install Anti-Virus Software: Anti-Virus software operates in the background to prevent, detect, and delete viruses from your device.
• Turn Off File Sharing: When connected to public Wi-Fi, ensure file sharing on your device is disabled. This prevents unauthorized access to your files.
• Stick to HTTPS: Look for websites that use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encryption. This is shown by a padlock symbol in your browser's address bar and ensures a more secure connection.
• Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network: Do not make the mistake of using easy-to-guess passwords for your home network.

Bonus Tip: Password Power

Strong passwords are your first line of defense against identity theft.

Here are some easy tips for creating secure passwords:

• Password Length Matters: Use long, creative passwords, ideally at least 12 characters, or 14 characters which is much better.
• Mix Up Things: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for maximum complexity. I like to use memorable passphrases that utilize the combinations listed above.
• Be Unique: Avoid using the same password for your online accounts. Use password managers to help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Never use your name, birth date, or other easy-to-guess identifiers as a password.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA): When available, use 2FA on your sensitive accounts. 2FA provides an added layer of defense against potential hackers by sending a code to your phone via text message or within an app when you or someone else is logging into your account.

Say No to Identity Theft:

By recognizing the red flags and following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft.

Remember, vigilance is essential! Stay informed, be cautious online, and take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information.

Don't let identity theft become your disaster – be proactive, take control, and protect yourself today!

Bonus Tip: The Internet Safety Brigade, co-founded by Skip Myers, offers Internet Safety workshops for kids and parents. Check out these resources and more at: https://InternetSafetyBrigade.org https://SkipMyersBooks.com

Coming Soon! My new children's book, "Say No to Internet Monsters" fills the awareness and education gap for Internet Safety.

"Say No to Internet Monsters" starts by instilling foundational knowledge and responsible online practices for parents and caregivers that can be shared with children from an early age.

For more information and upcoming release dates, subscribe to my newsletter at: https://lnkd.in/eUDXcmhq

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Skip Myers, a fraud prevention and cybersecurity expert with over twenty-five years of experience in the field, this delightful story aims to help kids understand the potential dangers of the Internet in a fun and engaging way.

Drawing on his cybersecurity expertise and passion for educating others,?Myers has crafted a captivating tale that will inspire parents and children to say no to Internet monsters by being vigilant and staying safe online. With colorful illustrations and a relatable storyline, Say No to Internet Monsters is a must-read for any parent and young person navigating the digital world.