Protect youself from identity theft

Data breaches, scams, and stolen information are increasingly used by fraudsters to impersonate individuals or carry out additional fraudulent activities. The Better Business Bureau is highlighting the growing concern of identity and information theft and how individuals can protect themselves from becoming victims. Here are some key findings from Scam Tracker and expert advice on how to avoid falling victim to identity theft:

The problem: Identity and information theft are part of nearly every type of scam and are often linked to other fraudulent activities. Many people who fall victim to a data breach or scam often don’t realize their information has been compromised until it’s too late.

What the study found: Scam Tracker reports over 16,000 identity and information theft cases since 2021, with the numbers rising each year. Dozens of websites, including those on the dark web, facilitate the sale of stolen personal data.

Common red flags to watch out for:

• Examine domain names carefully. Fraudulent websites often use similar-looking domains to legitimate sites.
• Be cautious of emailed links. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails.
• Avoid websites with poor design quality. Scammers often create websites that look unprofessional and contain errors.
• Text messages from unknown sources. Do not click on links or respond to unsolicited messages.
• Unexpected social media messages: Be wary of messages from "friends" you don't recognize or that seem unusual.

Tips to avoid identity and information theft: By staying informed and following these best practices, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft and protect your personal information from fraudsters.

• Don’t share personal information. Be selective when sharing sensitive data and only provide it to trusted entities.
• Double-check requests for sensitive data. Always verify any request for personal information, such as your social security number.
• Run regular credit checks and review financial statements. This helps you spot any unusual activity early on.
• Create strong, unique passwords and change them regularly. Use a mix of characters and make them difficult to guess.
• Implement multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of protection when logging into online accounts.
• Search for reviews and related scams. If you’re unsure about a website or service, look for reviews and check for scam reports.
• Use a website safety tool. Consider using tools like Google’s Safe Browsing tool to verify website legitimacy.
• Consider credit freezes or fraud alerts. This can make it harder for thieves to open accounts in your name.

Provided by The Better Business Bureau.