7 Things to Know About Fraud Alerts
Do you know what fraud alerts do, what types are available or how they work? Here are 7 things you might not know about fraud alerts.
Identity theft is more commonplace since the advent of the internet, and it’s in one’s best interests to familiarize themselves with warning signs of potential identity theft, along with taking steps to better protect yourself from fraudsters in the future. Identity theft occurs when someone has access to your personal information and then uses it to open lines of credit or receive insurance, housing, or employment in your name — potentially affecting your credit reports and credit scores. Signs of identity theft include receiving odd bills for items or services you didn’t purchase, including charges on your credit card or bank statement that are not yours. Other signs include calls from debt collectors about accounts you didn’t open, unexplained withdrawals from your bank account, notifications that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or unexpected denial of credit. If any of these occur, there are many steps you should consider taking, including contacting the proper authorities and companies where the fraud has taken place to explain that you were a victim of identity theft. To help combat identity theft, you can consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, and consider freezing or locking your credit reports, monitor your accounts, and more.
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8 Facts About Security Freezes
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Don't take the phishing bait. Learn about some ways to make sure messages are legitimate before you click on a link or open an attachment.
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Packing for vacation? Here's some things to consider bringing -- and leaving at home -- to help reduce your risk of identity theft.
Tax-Related ID Theft: A Primer
Learn what tax-related identity theft is; steps to take if you believe you're a victim; and how to help better protect yourself against tax-related identity theft.
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Are the seniors in your life aware of fraud and identity theft risks? Here are some ways to educate them on steps they can take to help better protect themselves.