9 Simple Steps to Protect your Financial Credit and Identity

  1. Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  NerdWallet has a great article with step-by-step instructions for freezing your account and unfreezing your account (when applying for a loan or new credit card).  Placing a credit freeze does not affect your credit score and it is free for you and your children, as is lifting it when applying for new credit. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-freeze-credit
  2. Use strong passwords: A weak password is the easiest way for hackers to get access to your accounts. Use passwords that consist of a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  3. Be careful with personal information: Be wary of giving out personal information, especially over the phone or through email. Only give out information on secure websites that have a trusted URL, and don’t share personal information on social media.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card accounts, promptly reporting any unauthorized transactions.
  5. Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and makes it more difficult for hackers to access your data.
  6. Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN can encrypt your online activity and protect your data from hackers when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
  7. Check your credit report: Check your credit report regularly to make sure there are no new accounts or unauthorized inquiries.
  8. Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Don’t trust emails or phone calls you receive that ask for personal information or offer deals that seem too good to be true.
  9. Use identity theft protection: Consider using an identity theft protection service that monitors your personal information and alerts you if it detects any suspicious activity.
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