Fraud & Identity Theft
Social Engineering
Things – and People – Aren’t Always What They Seem
The reality is that the online world is something of a virtual reality. And now more than ever, things – and people – aren’t always what they seem to be online. Sometimes, not even close. Social media sites can be incredibly valuable and enjoyable. But they can also serve as an entryway for all kinds of cybercriminals, scammers, thieves, phishers, “spear-phishers,”14 and other online undesirables. Even if these various “social engineers” don’t steal your information, prying online eyes can learn a lot about you via social media snooping. So be careful when you’re being social.
Tips + Tactics
Limit the amount of information you share on social networks
Limit who can view your information. You can often restrict who can view your information – from “anyone or public” to just “acquaintances or friends”
Be extremely wary of fake profiles and people who try to connect with you on social networks
Be on the lookout for phishing attempts (attachments, payment instructions to a new address, directives to change your password, etc.) Never click these links, rather go directly to the website and perform the action from within the website.
Recognize fraudulent email warning signs (poor spelling, poor grammar, urgent or odd language, vague or unusual addresses)
Keep all your security software up-to-date
If you think any of your accounts have been compromised, change your passwords immediately (see our first section for more password tips)
Avoid using the same password you use for social media websites on your online banking website
If you think your online banking account has been compromised, check for unknown charges, and contact your financial institution
Secure Your Credit
Utilize Credit Monitoring + Freezes
There’s no denying the importance of your credit history in today’s world. The relative strength or weakness of your credit history can determine your ability to secure loans and insurance policies, gain employment, and open credit card and bank accounts. With so much on the line when it comes to your credit, it’s vital to do everything you can to protect your credit, starting with your credit report. Each of the three major U.S. credit bureaus provides tools to help minimize the risk of your credit report being used by unauthorized entities or individuals.
Tips + Tactics
Monitor Your Credit: Monitoring your credit report is the best way to spot signs of identity theft, such as suspicious activity and accounts or addresses you’re not familiar with. The three U.S. credit bureaus are required by law to provide one free credit report per year upon request. Any suspicious or fraudulent credit listing you see should be reported to the credit bureau that shows the activity.
Implement a Credit Freeze: Also known as a security freeze, a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report – making it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name and/or abuse your credit. A credit freeze prevents a person, merchant, or institution from making an inquiry about your credit report – unless you lift or remove the freeze. Your credit report will continue to be accessible to your existing creditors and/ or debt collectors. Putting a credit freeze in place must be done individually with each of the three U.S. credit bureaus.
Lift a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze remains in place until you direct the credit bureau to either temporarily lift it or remove it in full. Similar to implementing a credit freeze, each bureau may charge a fee to “unfreeze” your credit. It can also take up to three days for a bureau to act on your request to lift a credit freeze.