Over 16 million Americans have lost nearly $17 billion to identity fraud. With some tips on how to protect your identity, here’s Rebecca Havely …
Follow these simple steps to help protect your digital identity. First set up electronic access to your financial accounts and monitor them frequently. Thieves can use your information to set up new credit cards in your name with a fake address. This means you’ll never receive bills, so your first clue that something is amiss may be a credit score left in ruins by unpaid bills or delinquent charges on your credit report. You are entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months.
Explore putting a lock or a freeze on your credit reports compiled by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Both a lock and a freeze block access to your credit reports, making it highly unlikely that anyone could open a credit card in your name. All credit freezes are free.
Use a password manager or use strong passwords and store them securely. Change your passwords frequently, and don’t use the same ones for all your accounts.
These steps make it harder for criminals to steal the virtual keys to your accounts and limit the damage they can do if they crack your code.
For help putting these tips into practice, visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. Also, report scams to your local law enforcement.
IDENTITY FRAUD PROTECTION TIPS
