Identity Theft Awareness Week started on Monday.
Itβs scary how we can be just one click away from handing over our personal information to a stranger who managed to fool us. Letβs not let this happen in 2025 by beefing up our online accounts and habits.
Multi-factor authentication
If MFA is offered, you should be all over it. Once you set it up, you will not just be prompted to enter a password when logging into your account but also a confirmation number that is sent to you by text or email. The Identity Theft Resource Center calls MFA a game changer when it comes to protecting your data.
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Check credit often
You certainly want to catch a hack early should someone open accounts under your name. Early detection minimizes credit damage, which allows for a quicker credit recovery. Cybersecurity experts say a credit freeze should be your default setting with the three main credit bureaus being Experian, Transunion and Equifax. You can always thaw it when you apply for financing or a credit card.
Check bank statements
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By checking your bank accounts regularly, youβll detect any unauthorized purchases or transfers.
Up your password game
Rolling with the same password for all accounts and for a long time opens you up to trouble. Change them regularly and try using passphrases with a mix of special characters, capital letters and numbers. Consider using a trusted password keeper.
Be suspicious
Unexpected calls or messages may not be what they claim. Donβt trust them if they ask you for money or to follow a link they sent you. Some clever texts are floating around lately pretending to be from legitimate sources like Amazon, USPS and toll road companies.
A good way to raise awareness of identity theft is to talk about it with the people you love the most. You never know who in 2025 might be vulnerable to a cybercriminal's attempts to take their money and/or personal data.