If we really want to keep ourselves – and our money – safe from fraud, we must all come to terms with one thing: our personal information is likely already out there. Many entities have our personal information – credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, and health-related information – and data breaches have most likely exposed it. So, what can we do to protect ourselves after the fact?
Here are three steps towards protecting yourself against identity fraud:
1) Place a security freeze on your credit accounts with the three big agencies so no one can open a new credit line in your name;
2) Establish online access to your financial accounts and monitor regularly (you can set up text alerts for activity on these accounts);
3) Use strong and unique passwords for every online account; consider using a password manager that creates complex passwords and stores them securely.
Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help if you’ve fallen victim.
