Identity theft is a severe problem in the U.S., and thanks to high-profile data breaches, the incidents have only been growing. The infamous Equifax breach of 2017 exposed the sensitive information of more than 147 million Americans. Hackers were able to steal Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, and addresses of users. Criminals can either sell the stolen information online on the dark web or use it to commit identity theft.
August 2023 news-
“A Maine man faces up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of using the identity of his dead infant brother to obtain passports and collect social security benefits. Napoleon Gonzalez, 86, of Etna was found guilty of identity theft, passport fraud and social security fraud last week, according to the Maine Attorney General’s Office. Napoleon Gonzalez had been using the identity of his brother, Guillermo Gonzalez since at least the mid 1960s, officials said. Guillermo Gonzalez died as an infant in 1939,” Bangor Maine News
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is using the stolen sensitive information of another person and using it for financial gain via fraud or scams. There are a few types of identity theft, including Synthetic identity theft, and Child identity theft. Synthetic identity theft is the creation of brand new identities using a combination of a fake name, DOB, phone number, and address. Criminals combine these with real Social Security numbers, usually stolen from a child who doesn’t have a credit score yet. Child identity theft is when threat actors use the Social Security number and details of a child to apply for a loan or credit.
A criminal can also impersonate and commit identity theft in the following ways:
- Withdrawing funds from the victim’s bank account.
- Applying for a loan or credit card under the victim’s name.
- Using a victim’s Social Security number for tax refund theft.
- Using a victim’s health insurance to get medical procedures done.
According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, 27.3 million Americans were the victims of identity theft in the past five years, resulting in billions of losses. If you have a credit card and aren’t using a service to monitor your identity, your information is likely out in the open. You can thank the frequent data breaches for that. Now is the time to take action and protect yourself from identity theft.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Do a Password Audit
Make a list of all the online accounts you use, such as email addresses, social media, blogs, and retail sites, among others. Check your WiFi router password as well. Make sure each one uses its own unique and robust password. Never repeat the same password, especially for your primary email address and online banking. Use a combination of lower and upper case letters, numbers, and symbols or a mix of three to four random words. Never use “qwerty,” birthdays, or anything with your name.
2. Force Multi-Factor Authentication on All Your Accounts
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection for your online accounts. Without your phone or authenticator, a hacker won’t be able to access your account using another computer. When applicable, also enable biometric or fingerprint authentication.
3. Use a VPN
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), especially when using public or shared/free WiFi. These access points aren’t secure, and your connection is a sitting duck when a hacker snoops around in the same network. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that hides your real IP address and location, making it harder even for ISPs to track you or what you’re doing.
4. Install Security Software on All Your Devices, Including Your Phone
Protecting your devices with security software from a leading vendor should be priority number one. Hackers can get into your system and install malware that can harvest your data. They can also infiltrate your network and intercept all your communications if you leave it unprotected. An antivirus + firewall solution can help keep hackers and malware out of your system. Make sure to update your security software’s virus definitions daily. Update your OS regularly and never install apps from unknown sources.
5. Never Save Important Documents Online
Don’t save your Social Security number, banking details, or any relevant documents in your email or the cloud. Keep your SS ID, passport, and other sensitive files locked up in a safe. Use a shredder to destroy letters and paperwork that contain your name, address, Social Security number, bank statements, utility bills, and even junk mail.
6. Limit What You Share Online
Don’t open an email from strangers and avoid clicking on links such as ozempic lawsuit links, even if it’s from someone you know. Navigate to the website manually if you want to know more about it. Never share your personal information with anyone, even when you’re offered free stuff. Try to limit what you share on social media.
Other Safeguards
Aside from the tips mentioned above, it would help if you also tried freezing your credit for maximum protection. Regularly monitor your credit reports, medical and financial statements for any anomalies. Make sure you recognize every charge and bill due date. If you’re not getting your bills, criminals may be stealing them. Use a USPS-approved lockable mailbox for added security. Lastly, always stay alert when you’re out. Look out for people who eavesdrop or look at your phone’s screen while you’re using it, and keep tabs on your wallet at all times.