Figuring out how to avoid identity theft can seem daunting. The horror stories you run into online are often framed to make you afraid so you will purchase some kind of specialized protection. The advice that comes from tech-focused publications is often focused on use cases that may not apply to your everyday life. These kinds of issues make it difficult to identify simple, reliable steps that somebody can take to protect themselves and their personal information.
In many cases, keeping your identity protection efforts simple is your best option. The real threats are lurking in everyday interactions, so straightforward protection can go a long way in keeping you safe. Some of the best steps to take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft include:
Get a free credit report each year
You can get a free annual credit report that is authorized by the federal government and will not hurt your credit score. Viewing your credit score each year lets you recognize if anybody is using your identity to set up accounts or lines of credit, helping you know if identity theft has occurred.
Never give personal information over email
Financial institutions, government agencies and even most content providers will never ask for personal information through email. They know that identity thieves can send emails that look real to get customers to give up information, so organizations simply avoid asking you for that kind of data via email. If you get such a request, it may be in your best interest to ignore it or report it.
In some cases, what appears to be a service provider may reach out via email telling you there is a problem with your account and you need to check on it. Doing so may be a risk if you follow a link or open an attachment in the email. This can lead to malware being installed. Instead, call your service provider or go to its website on your own, not following the link, to check on your account status. If there is a problem, you can resolve it there without having to put yourself at risk by following a link that you may not trust.
Stay on top of your bank account
Regularly checking your bank account for deposits and withdrawals is a helpful way to prevent identity theft. Doing so lets you catch any unauthorized use of your account, hopefully before damages start to add up.
Set up a password for your mobile devices
Smartphone apps are making it easier to access digital services designed with user-friendliness in mind. But make sure you have a password on your phone if you use it to access sensitive services, such as for shopping or banking. Otherwise, anybody who gets access to your phone will have access to your banking app, for example. A simple password is often enough to protect your device.
Be wary of scam phone calls
Similar to phishing emails from attackers claiming to be a service provider you work with, many scams involve someone calling you claiming to be a business you work with. Avoid giving out personal information over a phone call you receive. Instead, if you are worried a call is legitimate, simply call the business yourself and reach out to customer support. That way, you will be using a verified phone number you know is associated with that business and not at risk.
Take advantage of services you can trust
As banks become more aware of the kinds of attacks out there, many are designing their services to help protect customers. Reach out to Comerica Bank today to learn about how we can help to safeguard your accounts and help you keep your identity safe.
