Identity Theft Solutions

Identity theft remains a serious and growing threat. In 2023 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 1 million identity theft reports, with credit card fraud and government documents or benefits fraud among the most common.¹ While the infamous 2017 Equifax data breach affected over 147 million people and raised public awareness, data breaches continue to occur regularly across industries.

These persistent threats make it essential to take proactive steps to protect your identity. Here are some strategies you can use to help reduce your risk of identity theft:

1. Monitor Financial Activity

• Check bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
• Review credit reports for errors. You can access free credit reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

2. Strengthen Passwords & Account Security

• Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
• Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

3. Protect Your Credit

• Place a credit freeze on your reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
• Consider setting up a fraud alert, which prompts creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity.

4. Watch for Phishing Scams

• Don’t click on links or respond to messages from unknown senders.
• Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies and verify them independently before responding.

5. Manage Email & Personal Information

• Delete sensitive emails like loan confirmations or tax documents after use.
• Avoid sending personal documents via unsecured email.

6. Validate Unexpected Calls

• If someone calls about a debt or bill, verify directly with the creditor using contact information from their official website.
• The IRS and similar agencies typically contact you by mail first, not by phone or text.

7. Limit Personal Information Exposure

• Don’t overshare personal information on social media.
• Restrict access to personal details like your birthdate where possible.

Taking steps now can help you avoid major financial damage later. To explore your identity protection options and get educational guidance, call 888-724-2326 and speak with a Money Coach today.

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¹ Federal Trade Commission. “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023.” February 2024. https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2023

Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer specific personalized investment, financial planning, tax, legal, or accounting advice.  We recommend that you consult an attorney, tax advisor, or accountant regarding your unique circumstances.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility for the program or its services.