New Scams Put Identity at Risk

Highlights:

• New scams are always evolving so it is important to have good identity protection habits.
• Verify all information requests, whether it's for help, information, or asking for donations.
• Pay attention to changes on your credit cards, bank statements, or your credit reports.

Scams have been around for a very long time. But during times of high stress, criminals try to scam both the vulnerable and those trying to help. It's important to stay up-to-date on the recent and common scams circulating around. You should also know how to spot a scam and what to do to keep your identity safe.

What are some common scams to watch out for?

• Scam Artists Impersonating Government Agencies. Government agencies are often viewed as trustworthy. Because you trust them, it makes these scams even easier to fall for. According to the FBI, you should not click links or open attachments from senders you do not recognize. This can unlock malware and allow scammers to steal personal information. They can even lock your computer and demand payment.
• Delivery Scam. Many people use services to have groceries or medications delivered to their door. Some scammers may offer to buy and deliver your supplies. Instead, they never give you the promised items and take off with your money.
• Package Delivery Scam. In this type of delivery scam, you may receive an email or text about your delivery. It tells you to click a link and input a fake tracking number or reply to provide more information. If you have a question about a package delivery, go to the UPS^® or FedEx^® websites. Don't reply to emails and texts.
• Waylaid Donations. Donating to trusted organizations can help make a difference to those in need. But it's important to make sure your money is going where you intend it to. There has been a rise in phishing emails asking for donations to fake organizations. Research your charity of choice before donating.
• Zoom^® Scam: Fake Zoom Invitations. Scammers are also sending fake Zoom invitations in an attempt to steal passwords. Pay attention to the wording of the messages you receive. If someone “demands your presence”, chances are it's a scam. Make sure any meeting invitations you accept are from someone you know. Reach out to your employer if you receive a suspicious Zoom invitation.

How can you better protect your identity from scams?

You can never completely protect your identity, but there are steps you can take to stay safe. Here are four steps you can take right now to improve your habits around how to prevent identity theft.

1. Check your financial accounts often. One of the best ways to help better protect your identity is to check on the status of your financial accounts. Be sure to review every charge or withdrawal to make sure they are valid. For your bank and credit card accounts, sign up for email or text notifications. If someone uses the card, you'll get an instant notification.
2. Contact your bank if you notice any suspicious activity on your account. If you see any item prompting concern on one of your accounts, contact your bank immediately. Explain your situation and ask about your options. They may cancel your active credit or debit cards and reissue new ones.
3. Change your online passwords often. Your personal information is now stored on more platforms than ever. Hackers try to access these systems to get your information without your knowledge. To combat this problem, set up strong passwords. Make sure they are unique to each account. They should have more than eight digits. Be sure to include upper and lower case letters, numbers and at least one symbol. Set a reminder to change all passwords as often as you can manage.
4. Remove personal information from your social media accounts. The more information you post on social media, the easier it may be for scammers to steal your identity. Review the privacy settings for each account and remove excess information. Also, be sure to not to post information like your birthday, your address, or your finances.

How can you report a scam?

If you think you've been a victim of a scam, or if you've received what appears to be a scam, you should report it. There are many ways to report the scam. You should first report it to the company or entity the scam artist is misrepresenting. For example, if you notice FedEx delivery scams, first report to FedEx. They have a section on their website that provides information on types of scams and how to report them. Depending on the type of scam, you can also report it to your local police.

How can Equifax^® help protect me from scams?

It's unfortunate that bad actors steal people's identities. But, you can take steps to help better protect your information from thieves. If you believe you've become a victim of a scam, you should check your credit reports. If you find accounts or balances you don't recognize, it could be a sign of identity theft. With Equifax Complete™ Premier, you can track changes to your Equifax credit report. You can also receive alerts if your personal information is at risk of being on the dark web. Scams are everywhere, but with the advice above, you can help protect your identity.