American credit card debt has reached an all-time high of $1 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.  With so many Americans facing debt, now is the time to learn how to confidently navigate through your finances. The first step is creating a financial wellness plan that can help you meet your financial goals and manage your debt this year.

According to a recent Charles Schwab Corp. survey, only 28% of Americans have a written financial plan. Of the remaining 72% who don’t, half of those believe they don’t have enough money to make a plan worthwhile. The rest feel it’s too complicated and time-consuming to do so.

However, consider the fact that having a financial wellness plan in place has proven to build confidence, peace of mind and the ability to understand and achieve financial goals.

Starting your journey to financial wellness does not require a lot of savings. It starts with shaping your spending habits in ways that benefit your future self. A good place to start would be to set your budgeting percentages with the 50/30/20 method and link your bank account to a budgeting app that helps you track your habits. This approach gives you an idea of where your money is going, so you can make decisions that prioritize your goals.

Budget Percentages
Needs (50%)	Wants (30%)	Savings & Debt (20%)
●     Groceries ●     Housing ●     Utilities ●     Transportation	●     Shopping ●     Dining out ●     Hobbies ●     Leisure	●     Investments ●     Student loans ●     Credit Card

Having a financial plan in place can help you make better financial decisions and boost your confidence in the process. And, like any journey, it helps to have people along the way pointing you in the right direction.

Once you meet a certain goal, where to next? If something unexpected happens, what private or public programs exist to help you through it? Consider the help of a financial coach to guide you.

Creating a financial wellness plan with the help of a financial coach can be part of your first step forward to financial confidence. With a financial coach, you receive answers to your questions, guidance, and support as you work toward your financial goals.

Financial coaches can help you with debt management, so you can get out of debt and no longer be one of the many Americans with record-high debt.

 

– IDIQ earns its third spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 Regionals List with a three-year revenue growth of 81%  –

Temecula, California, Feb. 27, 2024 – IDIQ®, a financial intelligence company that protects and strengthens consumers’ long-term financial health, has earned the rank of No.136 on Inc. Magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 Regionals List for the Pacific Region.

The list, announced today, is the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the Pacific region that includes Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington. This is the third time IDIQ has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 Regionals List.

IDIQ delivers financial intelligence for everyday action. IDIQ is a proven thought leader in providing consumers with the tools they need to protect themselves from the growing threat of scams while also having access to fundamental solutions to support their financial wellness. IDIQ is strengthened by long-term strategic B2B relationships that pride themselves on offering IDIQ products to add value to their own consumer relationships.

The company saw an 81% increase in percentage revenue growth between 2020 and 2022 and is proud to earn its recognition on the list.

“It’s an honor for our team to be recognized on Inc. Magazine’s List for the Pacific Region’s fastest growing private companies for the third time,” said Scott Hermann, CEO of IDIQ. “This achievement is a testament to our dedication, innovation, and pursuit of excellence as a company. We’ve worked hard to become a leader in identity protection and financial wellness.”

During the last three years, IDIQ has expanded its corporate team, grown to more than 250 employees, and opened additional offices in the United States while protecting and monitoring the identity and credit of more than 4 million members.

“The honorees in our Inc. 5000 network are the who’s who of private companies,” said Eric Hagerman, special projects editor at Inc. Media. “They’re energizing regional economies as they engineer the future of their industries. Learn who they are and what they do — they’ll be impacting things for a while.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals List, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/pacific.

About IDIQ:

IDIQ® is recognized as one of the fastest-growing industry leaders in financial and identity protection. With the flagship IdentityIQ® brand, the company delivers real-time alerts and credit report information to not only protect but also educate consumers and businesses. The IDIQ family of brands also includes MyScoreIQ® for financial health and protection; Resident-Link® technology for on-time rental payment reporting to help build consumer credit scores; Credit & Debt®, a credit and debt education-based membership platform; and IDIQ® Pre-Paid Legal Services℠, a leading provider of voluntary employee benefits.

For more information, visit www.IDIQ.com.

You work hard to protect your identity. You’re cautious about sharing personal information, you regularly change your passwords, and you keep an eye on your credit report. But despite your diligence, there’s a form of identity theft that’s becoming increasingly prevalent and is notoriously difficult to detect — synthetic identity theft.

Understanding this growing threat can help protect your financial health and peace of mind. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you grasp the ins and outs of synthetic identity theft so you can safeguard your future and that of your family.

What Is Synthetic Identity Theft?

Synthetic identity theft is an intricate form of financial fraud that blends stolen personal details with fabricated information to create a new, unique identity.

Unlike traditional identity theft where the criminal fully takes over someone’s identity, synthetic identity theft combines your real information, such as your Social Security number or date of birth, with other fake information to make it more difficult to trace.

The complexity of synthetic identity theft often allows it to go undetected for longer periods. By merging real and fabricated information, it becomes a monumental task to identify these fraudulent activities, often allowing criminals to continue to exploit the financial systems.

Their aim is to create a convincing identity that fools creditors, like banks and credit card companies, into extending loans and credit which are eventually defaulted on.

How Synthetic Identity Theft Works

1.   Gather Initial Information

The synthetic identity theft process begins with the acquisition of your personal details. Perpetrators may use various tactics such as phishing emails, which are designed to look like they come from trustworthy institutions, to lure you into revealing your data.

They can also hack into databases where your details might be stored — these can be databases of online retailers, healthcare providers, or even educational institutions. Some criminals might even resort to old-school methods like dumpster diving, where they scavenge for discarded documents that may contain your personal details.

2.   Craft the Synthetic Identity

After obtaining the necessary information, criminals enter the next phase which involves the careful blending of real and fake data.

This composite identity may use your Social Security number paired with a fictitious name, a different address, and even an altered date of birth. The aim here is to make this synthetic identity as realistic as possible while minimizing the risk of quick detection.

3.   Build Financial Credibility

Once the synthetic identity has been crafted, it’s time to give it financial life. Initially, criminals may apply for credit cards or smaller loans.

While these applications often get denied due to the lack of a credit history, they serve a hidden agenda: establishing a credit profile with credit bureaus. This initial interaction with the financial system is usually enough to create a thin credit file, helping give the synthetic identity some semblance of financial existence.

4.   Exploit Legitimate Accounts

With the credit profile set up, the fraudsters move to the next stage, “piggybacking.” This involves unauthorized association with existing, good-standing credit accounts.

They add the synthetic identity as an authorized user, thereby absorbing some of the primary account holder’s good credit attributes. This process can rapidly inflate the creditworthiness of the synthetic identity, helping make it appear more legitimate to creditors.

5.   Achieve the End Game

After successfully piggybacking and possibly obtaining small loans or credit lines, which they pay off diligently, the synthetic identity’s credit score begins to rise. Criminals may take this as a cue to aim higher, seeking out larger loans and more substantial lines of credit.

Once a significant credit limit is approved, they often max out the credit lines or withdraw large loan amounts, only to disappear, leaving the financial institution with losses and the real individuals whose details were stolen with a mess to clean up.

Synthetic vs. Traditional Identity Theft

The Intricacies of Synthetic Identity Theft

Synthetic identity theft involves a mix of real and made-up information, resulting in a new, distinct identity that can often bypass standard fraud detection measures. This makes it a long-term play for criminals.

The more they nurture this synthetic identity, the more complex and extensive the fraud can become. Because of the merged details, tracing these activities back to a single individual can become increasingly complicated, often allowing the criminals to evade capture for extended periods.

The Simplicity of Traditional Identity Theft

In contrast, traditional identity theft is typically relatively straightforward. Criminals steal an individual’s entire identity, often using it to make large purchases or withdraw funds as quickly as possible.

They aim to maximize their ill-gotten gains before the victim realizes what has happened and acts to stop further fraud. This immediacy often makes traditional identity theft easier to detect, but it can still be devastating for the victim.

Detecting Synthetic Identity Theft

Detecting synthetic identity theft can be challenging because the criminals are not merely hacking accounts but creating a façade of legitimate financial behavior. They typically nurture these fabricated identities by responsibly using the fraudulent account, making it appear as if a real person is just experiencing financial difficulties.

Children are particularly vulnerable targets for synthetic identity theft as they likely won’t be checking their credit reports for years, leaving ample time for criminals to exploit their Social Security numbers.

How to Help Protect Yourself Against Synthetic Identity Theft

Given its elusive nature and devastating impact, defending against synthetic identity theft often requires a more nuanced approach than traditional identity theft prevention. Here are some targeted strategies:

Protect your SSN

Your Social Security number is a golden ticket for fraudsters. In most cases, you should not carry your Social Security card with you. If you must disclose your SSN, make sure you’re in a private setting and try not to repeat it aloud within earshot of others.

Remember to discard documents containing your SSN carefully — shred them or black out the information.

Use Security Software

Deploy a multi-layered security software suite that provides comprehensive digital protection. Opt for a solution that offers real-time monitoring, identity theft insurance, and alerts for crimes committed in your name.

Understand Vulnerabilities

Knowledge is your first line of defense. Make it a point to understand the tactics fraudsters employ to steal your personal information. Once you know their tricks, you may be less likely to fall for them.

Monitor Your Credit

Regularly review your credit report for unauthorized activities. IdentityIQ identity and credit monitoring offers synthetic identity theft protection, alerting you to suspicious activities that could suggest your information is being used to create a synthetic identity

FAQs

What are the warning signs of synthetic identity theft?

Indicators of synthetic identity theft may include receiving unexpected bills, uninitiated credit inquiries, or accounts you did not open appearing on your credit report. You might also receive calls or letters from debt collectors about debts that aren’t yours.

Who’s most at risk of synthetic identity theft?

Anyone can fall victim to this form of identity theft, but certain groups are more vulnerable. This includes children, whose credit histories are clean slates, and the elderly, who may not be as digitally savvy. Others at high risk include individuals with limited or poor credit histories, military personnel, prison inmates, victims of data breaches, and those with high social activity or public records.

What can happen if you become a victim of synthetic identity theft?

• Financial Damage: Scammers can open accounts in your name, racking up debt and negatively impacting your credit score.
• Difficulty Borrowing: Your ability to secure loans and credit cards may diminish due to poor credit history.
• Emotional Distress: Dealing with the fallout of identity theft can be stressful and anxiety-inducing.

What is an example of synthetic identity theft?

• A thief steals a child’s unused Social Security number and creates a fake identity with a fictitious name and address. They use this identity to open credit cards and make purchases, leaving the child with a mountain of debt and a tarnished credit history.
• A criminal obtains deceased individuals’ personal information and combines it with fabricated details to create new identities for themselves or others. They then use these fabricated identities to apply for benefits, commit tax fraud, or even obtain employment.

What are some warning signs of synthetic identity theft?

• You receive credit reports or bills for accounts you never opened.
• You see sudden unexplained changes in your credit score.
• You are denied credit or loans for seemingly no reason.
• You receive collections notices for debts you don’t recognize.
• You see unfamiliar addresses or phone numbers listed on your credit report.

Key Takeaways and More Ways to Stay Protected

1. Secure Your Social Security Number: Do not share it or leave it open on computers, cell phones, or tablets.
2. Beware of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of phishing attempts that may be aimed at tricking you into sharing your personal information.
3. Freeze Your Credit Reports: If you feel you are being targeted with a synthetic identity theft scam, freezing your credit reports can help protect you. This action can help stop potential scammers from opening accounts in your name.
4. Monitor Your Personal Information: Monitor your personal information with IdentityIQ identity theft protection services so you can be alerted if it falls into the wrong hands.
5. Opt-Out of People Search Sites: Remove your name from people finder sites to help keep your identity protected.

Bottom Line

Synthetic identity theft is an evolving and dangerous threat that can wreak havoc on your financial well-being and peace of mind. Taking proactive steps is more important than ever, and that’s where IdentityIQ services offer significant value.

The comprehensive platform not only provides credit monitoring in real-time, but also alerts you to threats to your personal information. The IdentityIQ robust suite of features are designed to help protect you and your family against various forms of identity theft.

Signing up for IdentityIQ is a quick, straightforward (and affordable!) process. If possible suspicious activity is detected once you’re under the protection of IdentityIQ, you are alerted in real-time, empowering you to act swiftly.

– IDIQ leadership to play a crucial role in advising the ITRC on combatting identity theft crime –

TEMECULA, CA – December 13, 2023 – IDIQ®, a leader in financial and identity protection, announced today that Michael Scheumack, IDIQ chief marketing and innovation officer, will be joining the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) newly formed Alliance for Identity Resilience (AIR) Advisory Board and will play a crucial role in advising the ITRC on matters related to identity theft crime.

Scheumack is a cybersecurity expert with more than 20 years of experience in the financial, credit, and identity theft protection industries. He joined IDIQ in 2017 to help position the company, through its flagship IdentityIQ® brand, as a leader in the identity theft protection and credit monitoring space.

“I am honored to be one of the first members of the ITRC’s AIR Advisory Board and contribute to its mission of combatting identity crime,” Scheumack said. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and leveraging our collective expertise to provide guidance and drive positive change in the industry.”

The establishment of the AIR Advisory Board marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of IDIQ and the ITRC to combat identity crime. Through collaborative efforts, the ITRC provides education, support, and innovative strategies to empower individuals and businesses in their fight against identity crime.

ITRC President and CEO Eva Velasquez praised Scheumack and the expertise he brings to the new board.

“We are pleased to add Michael to our Alliance for Identity Resilience Advisory Board,” Velasquez said. “His knowledge and expertise will help us stay on top of trends, emerging threats and defenses, and remain well-positioned to participate in discussions about them. Michael and our other Advisory Board members will play a vital role in our efforts to meet our mission and create services that victims need.”

This year, in partnership with the ITRC, IDIQ released the 2022 Trend in Identity Report as well as the company’s proprietary IdentityIQ 2022 Scam Report.

The ITRC is a non-profit organization that serves as a valuable resource for consumers, victims, businesses, and governments in minimizing the risk and impact of identity compromise and crime.

As a cybersecurity expert, Scheumack has served as a subject matter expert in numerous national media interviews on identity theft crimes, including the rise of AI voice cloning scams and trending scams.

Joining Scheumack on the AIR Advisory Board are executives across a variety of disciplines, industries, and sectors, including:

• Shawn Holtzclaw, Veteran Corporate and Nonprofit Executive
• Arun Vemury, Biometrics and Digital Identity Technologist
• Jay Meier, Senior Vice President of North American Operations at FaceTec, Inc. and President & CEO of Sage Capital Advisors, LLC
• Lynette Owens, Vice President of Global Consumer Education and Product Marketing at Trend Micro
• Meghan Land, Executive Director of Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
• Stephen Smith, Senior Vice President of Business and Strategy at Intellectual Technology, Inc.

By joining the ITRC’s AIR Advisory Board, IDIQ is furthering its mission to provide consumers and businesses with the education and services they need to help protect themselves against some of the biggest security and financial threats in existence today.

Scheumack also was recently appointed to the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) Board of Directors. The CCOE is a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to growing the regional cyber economy and increasing cybersecurity.

For more information on IDIQ, visit www.idiq.com. For more information on IdentityIQ, visit www.identityiq.com.

About IDIQ:

IDIQ® is recognized as one of the fastest-growing industry leaders in financial and protection. With the flagship IdentityIQ® brand, the company delivers real-time alerts and credit report information to not only protect but also educate consumers and businesses. The IDIQ family of brands also includes MyScoreIQ® for financial health and protection; Resident-Link® technology for on-time rental payment reporting to help build and improve consumer credit scores; Credit & Debt®, a credit and debt education-based membership platform; and Pre-Paid Legal Services, a leading provider of voluntary employee benefits.

For more information, visit www.IDIQ.com.

About the Identity Theft Resource Center:

Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a national nonprofit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime. Through public and private support, the ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its website live-chat idtheftcenter.org and toll-free phone number 888.400.5530. The ITRC also equips consumers and businesses with information about recent data breaches through its data breach tracking tool, notified. The ITRC offers help to specific populations, including the deaf/hard of hearing and blind/low vision communities.

As the holiday season approaches, online shopping becomes increasingly popular. With the increase in online shopping comes the increased risk of falling victim to scams. One growing threat during this time is the fake package delivery notification scam.

In this type of scam, fraudsters send deceptive emails or text messages claiming to be legitimate shipping notifications from reputable carriers or retailers such as FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service. These messages can include fake information about the shipment status of an order, urging recipients to click on malicious links, make payments, and download attachments.

The goal of fake package delivery scams is to trick recipients into revealing sensitive personal information, such as login credentials or credit card information. Or scammers are looking to infect victims’ devices with malware.

What Is a Phishing Scam?

Fake shipping delivery scams fall under the broader category of phishing scams. Phishing is a type of scam where bad actors pose as trustworthy companies or organizations to deceive victims into providing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise their security, their identity, and their finances.

With fake delivery notification scams, these messages can imitate well-known shipping companies or online retailers. These messages often create a false sense of urgency to prompt recipients to click on links, provide payment information, or download attachments. Once users interact with these malicious elements, scammers can gain unauthorized access to the victims’ personal information and accounts or compromise their devices.

How Can I Avoid Fake Delivery Notification Scams?

Protecting yourself from fake shipping notification scams and other phishing attacks requires caution. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid falling victim to these scams during the holiday season.

Verify the Sender: Before clicking on any links or downloading attachments, verify the legitimacy of the sender. Check the email address and look for any suspicious elements, such as misspellings or unusual domains. Legitimate shipping notifications typically come from the official email addresses of well-known carriers. When in doubt, contact the company directly.

Use Officiation Websites: Instead of clicking on links in emails or text messages, visit the official website of the shipping company or retailer directly by typing the URL into your browser. This helps ensure you are accessing the authentic site and not a fraudulent site.

Lookout for Red Flags: Be cautious of emails or text messages that create a sense of urgency, contain spelling or grammar mistakes, or request sensitive information. Legitimate companies usually communicate professionally and do not pressure customers to provide personal details through email or text message.

Update Your Software: Keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up to date to provide an additional layer of protection against potential threats. IdentityIQ device security with anti-virus and VPN provide complete protection against malware and scammers.

Why Is Identity Theft Protection Important?

The importance of staying vigilant against fake shipping notification and other phishing scams extends beyond an immediate threat. When scammers have access to your personal information, it can lead to identity theft and severe consequences, including financial loss, damage to your credit score, unauthorized access to various accounts, and identity thieves opening up new accounts in your name.

By signing up for IdentityIQ identity theft protection, you can help protect your personal information and your finances. You also can receive alerts if a scammer uses your personal information – one of the first signs of identity theft.

Bottom Line

Staying informed and proactive in helping protect your personal information can create a defense against scammers. Recognizing the signs of fake delivery notification scams, understanding phishing scams, adopting proactive security device measures, and signing up for IdentityIQ identity theft monitoring can help ensure a safe and secure holiday shopping experience for everyone.

– Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer Michael Scheumack will represent the company on the CCOE Board, furthering the company’s mission to combat and educate businesses and consumers on identity theft, financial and cybersecurity threats–

Temecula, CA, Oct. 31, 2023 – IDIQ®, a leader in financial and identity protection, today announced it has joined the board of the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to growing the regional cyber economy and creating a more secure digital community for all. Representing IDIQ on the CCOE Board is Michael Scheumack, IDIQ chief marketing and innovation officer. 

As a member of the Board of Directors, Scheumack brings more than 20 years of cybersecurity, technology and marketing experience in the financial, credit and identity theft protection industries. Scheumack began his career serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he started his technology education and began working in the cybersecurity industry. After joining IDIQ in 2017, he built one of the company’s fastest-growing business lines and has been an integral part of the explosive growth of IDIQ.  

“IDIQ has continued to establish ourselves as industry-leading in financial and identity protection,” Scheumack said. “By joining the CCOE Board of Directors, we are furthering our mission to provide consumers and businesses with the education and services they need to protect themselves against some of the biggest security and financial threats we see today.” 

Scheumack is an expert in cybersecurity and has given numerous interviews on trending identity theft scams, including the rise of AI voice cloning scams. This year, he oversaw, in partnership with the Identity Theft Resource Center, the release of the 2022 Trend in Identity Report as well as the proprietary IdentityIQ 2022 Scam Report.  

As a member of CCOE, IDIQ joins a collection of world-class cyber organizations, including Qualcomm, FICO®, Lockton Insurance, ESET, and the United States Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). 

 “There has been an increase in cybercrime across all industries since the pandemic began, with more than half of these costly attacks aimed at small and medium-sized businesses – our region’s economic engine,” said Lisa Easterly, president and CEO of CCOE. “We are honored to have IDIQ join our elite roster of CCOE Board Members with a focus on identity theft education. IDIQ’s expertise in identity theft services, products and capabilities will help us create a safer digital environment region-wide.”  

IDIQ offers the flagship IdentityIQ® and MyScoreIQ® brands for financial and identity theft protection and Resident-Link® technology for positive rental payment reporting to help build and improve consumer credit scores. IDIQ also recently acquired Credit & Debt®, a credit and debt education-based membership platform, and Pre-Paid Legal Services, a leading provider of voluntary employee benefits. 

For more information on IDIQ, visit www.idiq.com.  

About IDIQ:

IDIQ® is recognized as one of the fastest-growing industry leaders in financial and protection. With the flagship IdentityIQ® brand, the company delivers real-time alerts and credit report information to not only protect but also educate consumers and businesses. The company features 100% U.S.-based customer service and support. For more information, visit www.IDIQ.com.  

About Cyber Center of Excellence:

CCOE is a San Diego-based nonprofit that mobilizes industry, academia and government to grow the regional cyber economy and create a more secure digital community for all. Learn more at sdccoe.org. 

– Hermann brings his expertise in financial services, data security and analytics to further advance the national nonprofit’s mission of assisting families with gaining economic independence–

VIENNA, VA – October 26, 2023 – Entryway, a workforce development, employment and housing program, announced today that Scott Hermann, Chief Executive Officer of IDIQ, has joined its National Board of Directors to serve a three-year term. Hermann’s deep expertise in identity theft protection, credit and financial education and leveraging data to implement scalable business solutions will immediately benefit Entryway as the organization works to create efficiencies through data collection to serve a greater number of at-risk individuals and families across all of its program markets.

Hermann has more than 25 years of cybersecurity, technology and leadership experience in the financial, credit and identity theft protection industries. Hermann took the helm at IDIQ in 2017 to return to the roots of the credit monitoring industry with a vision to empower consumers with financial and identity protection. Under Hermann’s leadership, the company has developed an impressive roadmap to bring consumers the most innovative services in the industry. Hermann has led IDIQ to multiple years of triple-digit growth and four consecutive spots on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in America, joining many household names on the list such as Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft and Patagonia.

He also has grown the company from only a handful of employees to now more than 250 employees with multiple office locations in California, Illinois, Florida and Arizona along with satellite locations in New York and Texas. With this growth, IDIQ currently supports more than 3 million members in protecting their identities and credit.

Hermann has provided his expertise in helping identify and protect against identity theft and other scams to numerous national news outlets, including Forbes and Fox News.

In addition to his accomplishments in growing IDIQ, Hermann, a former college and professional athlete, is passionate about coaching and encouraging student athletes as our next generation of leaders.

“We are thrilled to welcome Scott to our national leadership team. He is passionate about the work we are doing to transition struggling families to long-term economic stability,” commented David Williams, Entryway President & CEO. “His passion combined with his experience leading financial companies that create pathways to economic protection for millions of Americans brings an incredible skillset and perspective to our work at Entryway.”

Entryway sources, screens, trains and places highly motivated and capable individuals in high demand on-site jobs in partnership with 65 leading apartment owners and operators. The organization works with multiple referring partners in each of its local markets as well as nationally to identify suitable job applicants who are struggling with or at risk of homelessness. Entryway upskills program participants through online and in-person training opportunities to get them ready for full time positions in the apartment industry such as leasing, maintenance and groundskeeping. Entryway also offers participants interview skills, job coaching, financial literacy and access to 1:1 mentoring.  The program changes the lives of individuals and families while providing quality, motivated employees for a rapidly growing industry in need of talent.

“I am honored to join the Entryway Board of Directors and be a part of an organization dedicated to transforming lives and communities,” said Hermann. “At IDIQ, we understand the importance of financial inclusion and security, and are committed to supporting initiatives that empower individuals and families to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Working with Entryway aligns perfectly with our mission and allows us to continue to make a meaningful impact for those in need.”

IDIQ offers the flagship IdentityIQ^® and MyScoreIQ^® brands for financial and identity theft protection and Resident-Link^® technology for positive rental payment reporting to help build and improve consumer credit scores. IDIQ also recently acquired Credit & Debt®, a credit and debt education-based membership platform, and Pre-Paid Legal Services, a leading provider of voluntary employee benefits.

Entryway currently operates in ten markets across the country: Atlanta, Central Florida, Charleston, Denver, Houston, Nashville, National Capital Region, North Carolina, North Texas and Greater Phoenix. To read more on the organization, visit entrywaytalent.org.

About Entryway:

Entryway (formerly Shelters to Shutters) is a national 501(c)(3) organization that transitions individuals and families from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing career training, employment, and housing opportunities in partnership with the real estate industry. Since its founding in 2014, Entryway has grown to serve over 600 individuals and families, unlocking pathways to life-changing opportunities and creating sustainable change in our communities. Entryway currently operates in 11 markets: Atlanta, Central Florida, Charleston, Denver, Houston, Nashville, National Capital Region, North Carolina, North Texas, Greater Phoenix, and Philadelphia. For more information, please visit www.entrywaytalent.org.

About IDIQ:

IDIQ® is recognized as one of the fastest-growing industry leaders in identity theft protection, credit report monitoring and financial wellness. The company delivers credit report information, credit scores, education, protection and financial tools that benefit consumers and businesses. The company features 100% U.S.-based customer service and support. For more information, visit www.IDIQ.com.

If you’re considering donating to help the victims of the Israel-Hamas war, it’s important to be vigilant and aware of potential charity scams that could divert your hard-earned money to scammers.

Criminals often fly under the radar to impersonate real charities, especially during times of conflict and war, social unrest, global health crises, or natural disaster. While you should continue to support charitable causes, it’s important to do so safely. Here are tips to help you avoid charity scams.

3 Tips to Help Avoid Charity Scams

1. Avoid Inbound Solicitations

There are many ways criminals can pass as legitimate charities. They may create a fictional organization from scratch or use a name similar to a real charity to lure in unsuspecting donors.

They may prompt you to take specific actions, such as clicking on links or downloading email attachments. They may also request personal information over the phone. These fraudulent actions could result in financial theft, identity theft, or even the installation of ransomware on your computer.

You can help avoid falling for these phishing scams by ignoring inbound requests, such as emails or phone calls, even if you believe it is coming from a legitimate organization. Don’t follow links, download attachments, or provide information through unsolicited phone calls. When you’re ready to donate, go directly to the charity’s website.

2. Research the Charity

Criminals may set up fake organizations as a response to current events, such as the Israel-Hamas war, to prey on sympathetic donors. By doing a few minutes of research online, you can verify if an organization is legitimate.

For donations to be tax-deductible, charities must register with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. To make sure your donation is tax-deductible, you can check the IRS list of 501(c)(3) organizations.

For further research, you can check charity rating websites like Give.org, Charity Navigator or GiveWell. These sites provide information on thousands of legitimate charities, including data on how efficiently your donation is used to serve a cause.

You can also check your state’s local resources on charities. Look for complaints. If you see evidence of multiple complaints online or with your state, consider that a warning sign.

3. Make Donations Safely

Legitimate charities can accept donations through common payment types, including cash, check, credit card, PayPal and more. If the charity requires specific payment types like money order or gift cards you should consider this a red flag. If they want unusual payment types such as gift cards, that’s an even bigger warning sign.

Credit cards are one of the safer donation options. They have built-in legal protections as they provide a record trail of your donation. They also aren’t tied to your bank account. If you donate online, look for a padlock icon in your browser to indicate you’re on a secure website.

When you’re ready to donate, go directly to the charity’s website for donation instructions. Never provide personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account number when it isn’t needed to make a donation. Even your physical address can be used to run scams or commit identity theft, so be careful about where you share your information.

Charity Scam FAQs

What are the warning signs of charity scams?

• Unsolicited requests for donations, especially via email, phone, or social media.
• High-pressure tactics to get you to donate immediately.
• Vague or misleading information about the charity’s mission and how funds will be used.
• Requests for unusual payment methods, such as gift cards.
• Lack of a clear and verifiable online presence, such as an official website or social media profiles.
• Refusal to provide detailed information about the charity’s financials, tax-exempt status, or registration.

Are charity scams more common during specific events or disasters?

Yes, charity scams are often more common during specific events or disasters, like the Israel-Hamas war. Scammers often take advantage of people’s desire to help and the increased media coverage of such events.

What should I do if I suspect a charity scam?

• Do not donate. Refrain from making donations until you can confirm the charity’s legitimacy.
• Investigate the charity by searching online, looking for official websites, reviews, and information from trusted sources.
• Report the suspicious activity to your local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or relevant consumer protection agencies.
• Contact your financial institution. If you’ve donated and believe it’s a scam, contact your bank or credit card company to report the fraud and dispute the charges.
• File a complaint. Consider filing a complaint with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau.
• Educate others. Spread awareness about the suspected scam to help protect others from falling victim to it.

Bottom Line: Avoid Charity Scams

Amidst the Israel-Hamas war, it’s important to ensure your charitable contributions reach those in need and not the hands of scammers. Stay cautious, research charities, and make donations securely so you can help avoid charity scams and ensure your donations make a meaningful impact.

If your personal information becomes exposed due to a charity scam, try IdentityIQ identity theft protection services. IdentityIQ monitors your personal information across the internet and dark web and alerts you in real-time when suspicious activity is detected so you can stay in front of scammers.