Credit card skimmers are illegal devices that criminals use at payment points of service, including ATMs, gas stations, and merchant credit card terminals, to steal consumer card information. While credit card skimming can happen anywhere, there are some ways to help protect yourself. Here's what you need to know. What Is Credit Card Skimming? [...]
Snapping a photo of your kids and sharing it on social media may seem like a harmless act. It’s natural to be proud of your children and want to share that feeling with friends and loved ones online. But posting photos, videos, and other information about your child online leaves them vulnerable to identity [...]
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that cannot be accessed as easily. To get to the dark web, you need to use special tools designed to provide anonymity and privacy for the dark web’s users and website administrators. While there are many legitimate reasons to use the dark web, its [...]
In the modern workplace, technology is just as common as the typical morning cup of coffee. Alongside the benefits of a digitally connected office, however, is the ongoing threat of cyberattacks. Among these ever-present threats is phishing, which is a deceptively simple yet effective method cybercriminals use to compromise both business and personal accounts. [...]
There were an estimated 1.1 billion online gamers last year, which makes online gaming a massive target for criminals and hackers. If you or your kids enjoy playing video games online like Minecraft or Roblox, you need to prioritize security and privacy, as there are financial and safety risks involved. For example, last year [...]
When you are a victim of a resolved case of tax-related identity theft, the IRS will issue you an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to help protect you from future fraud. Clearing up tax-related identity theft can take time and effort and seriously delay any tax refund you may be owed, so it’s important [...]
The internet is made of up three parts: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web. There are key characteristics that distinguish each part, but the differences are often poorly understood – especially when it comes to the connection with cybercrime. Here’s the difference between the surface web, the deep web, and the [...]
Employers that keep their workers secure, engaged, and productive can naturally gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. One way to promote employee well-being is to offer benefits that extend beyond standard employment packages. Identity theft protection is one valuable employee benefit that protects employees and provides advantages for the employer. Here’s why identity [...]
Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help keep you safe and anonymous online. It’s a good idea to always keep your VPN active for maximum protection, but there are certain scenarios when you might need to temporarily shut it off. Here’s what you need to know about VPNs. What Is a VPN? A [...]
Credit card locks and credit freezes are security features that can be used to help protect you from fraud and identity theft. But even though they sound similar, they perform very different functions when keeping you safe. The key difference: credit card locks help protect your credit card from fraud, while credit freezes help [...]
Whether it's the allure of building a solid credit foundation, the desire to boost spending power, or the initial steps towards homeownership, a credit card can be an invaluable tool in shaping anyone’s financial life. Thankfully, the journey to credit card approval doesn't have to be filled with doubts and uncertainties. In this article, we [...]
Tax season provides an opportunity for criminals to commit tax-related identity theft using stolen taxpayer information to file tax returns and claim fraudulent tax refunds. Recovering from tax identity theft can be time-consuming and might delay any legitimate tax refund you may be owed. One way to proactively prevent tax identity theft is to [...]
Personal debt in the United States is at an all-time high, leading many Americans to look for creative ways to eliminate it. According to The Motley Fool, the average American has just over $100,000 in debt, split between personal loans, mortgages, credit card debt, student loans, and more. Because of the high interest rates [...]
Whether it's personal loans, student loans, car payments, or credit card debt, people owe more money today than they ever have. If you're one of the millions of people struggling to pay back loans and debts, you've come to the right place. This article explores two of the most common methods of debt repayment [...]
With the internet, we can access vast amounts of information with only a click or tap. This year, the total number of internet users worldwide reached 5.18 billion, nearly two-thirds of the world’s population. And as immense as the internet is, so are the risks. To make sure that your time spent online is enjoyable [...]
Phone scams are surging. In the last decade, the rise in phone scams has put millions at risk. Last year, more than 70 million Americans lost nearly $40 million to phone scams. Given that number, the need for vigilance and effective countermeasures is evident. Read on to find out how scammers can get a hold [...]
Your driver’s license contains personally identifiable information (PII) that criminals can use to commit identity theft. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, more than 150 million U.S. driver’s licenses were compromised from 2017 to 2021. For this reason, it’s a good idea to protect your driver’s license number from criminals. Here’s how a driver’s [...]
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier for your online devices that enables you to connect to the internet. Everyone uses an IP address, but there are some potential risks if your IP address falls into the wrong hands. It’s important to understand how to protect your IP address to keep you safe [...]
Essentially, a credit card pre-approval offer is an indication from a credit card issuer that you meet certain criteria that make you a potential fit for their card, which they derive from a quick review of your credit history and other key financial factors. It's important to note that pre-approval is not a guarantee of [...]
The risk of identity theft is on the rise, and it's becoming a serious concern. In fact, over the past decade, the number of people who have fallen victim to fraud and identity theft has nearly tripled. The FBI estimates that the total losses from cybercrime in 2023 will reach a staggering $10.2 billion [...]
Understanding the Importance of Your Social Security Number Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are unique identifying numbers assigned to U.S. citizens and eligible residents. Your SSN is used to identify you with a wide variety of third-party organizations, from government agencies to businesses. Criminals who gain access to your SSN may use it to steal your [...]
Keeping your identity safe from theft is crucial, and freezing your credit is an effective way to do so. Freezing your credit ensures that no one can open new credit accounts in your name without your permission. In this blog, we explain how to freeze your credit, why it's important, and share tips for [...]
To buy a home, you need to apply for a mortgage. But before you do that, you should know how important your credit score is in the mortgage application process since it can significantly impact the mortgage rate you'll be offered. In this blog, we break down the relationship between credit scores and [...]
Criminals who obtain an individual’s personally identifiable information (PII) may share it or sell it online using the dark web. Many companies offer dark web scans that will search the dark web for your information and alert you if they find anything. But it’s important to remember the limitations of dark web scans and [...]
As May is Military Appreciation Month, a month-long observance to honor active service members and veterans, it's important to note that serving in the military doesn't guarantee protection against identity theft. Unfortunately, military personnel and their loved ones are at higher risk of becoming victims of identity theft and other types of fraud. Here [...]
Employment identity theft is when someone uses your name and personal information to gain employment. Like other forms of fraud, employment identity theft is illegal and can have devastating financial consequences for its victims. Here’s what you need to know about employment identity theft, and what to do if you find out you’ve become [...]
While it’s important to be on high alert and protect your identity all year long, tax season is an especially vulnerable time. Every tax season, identity thieves run a variety of scams to get their hands on taxpayers’ personal information. Many scams occur, but most have a common goal: filing a fraudulent tax return [...]
As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology, protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. Data breaches and cyberattacks can result in costly consequences, making strong data security practices essential. In this blog, we cover the top-seven data security practices every workplace should implement to help protect valuable information and more. Why is Data [...]
When you receive a tax refund, you’ve overpaid your taxes for the previous year. The government is returning your money. But receiving a lump sum all at once can still feel like found money. You may be tempted to splurge on something you’ve had your eye on, like a new pair of shoes or an [...]
Tax season allows con artists to scam taxpayers out of their hard-earned money each year in the United States. These scams range from simple to sophisticated, but many are initiated using a single phone call. Here’s how phone fraudsters are targeting taxpayers this tax season and how you can spot an IRS phone scam. [...]
Every year, tax season presents a seasonal opportunity for criminals seeking monetary gain from identity theft. There are many ways that scammers may try to obtain personal information, but the end goal is to file a falsified tax return in the taxpayer’s name and claim a tax refund. The scheme may not be discovered [...]
The traditional way to build credit requires getting a credit card and/or loan and making monthly payments on time. But that activity doesn’t include all the other utility bills you pay. So, it only represents a small portion of your financial behavior. Most utility providers don’t report payment activity to the credit bureaus, which [...]
The 20th annual Safer Internet Day is taking place on February 7! Safer Internet Day is a campaign that aims to educate the public on internet safety and encourage everyone to take part in creating a safer internet. Why is Safer Internet Day Important? Online safety is a global issue, with 60% of the [...]
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, SIM swap scams are on the rise. The FBI reported that they had received 1,611 SIM swapping complaints with losses of more than $68 million in 2021. If you're unfamiliar with this scam, it takes advantage of people's lack of knowledge of how SIM cards work and [...]
Bluetooth is a widely used, convenient technology included on every smartphone, tablet, and laptop computer these days. You can share files, play media, and more with a wireless connection. But like with unsecured Wi-Fi networks, hackers can target your Bluetooth-enabled devices to commit identity theft, install malware, or spam you with messages. This blog will discuss [...]
As the threat of identity theft continues to rise yearly, it’s important to watch out for signs that someone is using your Social Security number (SSN). In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take to find out if someone is using your SSN and what to do if you discover [...]
Have you ever looked at your bank statement and wondered, what's the difference between your statement balance and your current balance? Don't worry. You're not alone! In this blog, we're breaking down the differences between a statement balance and a current balance. What is a Statement Balance? The statement balance is the total amount you owe [...]
With good credit scores come significant financial advantages. This includes better loan options, lower interest, and more negotiating power. Yet, many people are unsure of precisely what constitutes a “good” credit score. This blog will review credit score ranges and factors that could impact your credit scores. What is a Credit Score? A credit score [...]
With a final look back at 2022, we’re rounding up the most searched and visited blog posts from last year. Our most popular topics were primarily concerned with identifying and preventing different types of identity theft and scams. Our readers were interested in topics that covered how criminals can steal their money, access their [...]
College students have many different things competing for their attention, from classes to school activities to an active social life. With all these demands, fighting identity theft might not seem like a pressing matter. But students are prime targets for identity theft, which can cause long-term damage to their finances and credit. Why Are [...]
Having a good credit score can be extremely beneficial when pursuing important financial goals like opening a credit card, taking out a loan or buying a car or a home. It can even help you land certain types of jobs or rent your dream apartment. For this reason, it’s very important to protect your [...]
Elderly Americans are facing a drastic increase in cybercrime, identity theft and financial abuse. Adults over age 60 last year reported $1.3 billion in cybercrime losses to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – a 74% increase from the previous year. The fact is, older Americans are a popular target for criminals who [...]
For most U.S. citizens, an official birth certificate may be the most critical document to have in their possession. Birth certificates back up your identity using your name, date of birth, place of birth, your sex/gender as recorded at birth and the identity of your parents. They’re commonly referred to as “breeder documents” because [...]
Computer viruses are malicious programs that can disrupt computer systems, hijack or steal sensitive data, spy on users and spread to other computers on the same network. Technology improvements may mean the “Wild West” days of rampant computer viruses are over, but you still need to take steps to protect your devices. Most modern [...]
The media often covers data breaches and cyberattacks that expose the personal data of large groups of people, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft and other forms of fraud. One of the best ways to help protect yourself from digital threats like these is to safeguard your data online. But your personal data isn’t just [...]
Peer-to-peer, or P2P, payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp are popular because they’re quick, convenient, and easy ways to send money to other people electronically. When used as intended, payment apps are relatively safe, but they lack some fraud protections and features that traditional payment methods like credit cards and debit cards have. There [...]
When you apply for a mortgage loan to buy a home, you have to share a lot of personal information with your mortgage broker and lender. You may need to provide sensitive information such as your name, address, Social Security number, pay stubs, bank statements, information about your investment and retirement accounts, copies of your [...]
Do you freely give out your phone number when you’re signing up on a shopping website or meeting a new acquaintance? If so, you should know that criminals can use your phone number to commit identity theft. For example, scammers may try to spoof (impersonate) your legitimate phone number to contact your friends and family, [...]
When a scammer has the right information, they can easily impersonate you on social media by cloning your account. It’s pretty simple to do when much of the information that scammers need is publicly available on the real person’s profile. Criminals can use cloned social accounts to scam your friends, commit identity theft and even [...]
Americans are expected to spend $1.2 trillion this holiday season, with the majority of shoppers planning to buy most of their gifts online. Unfortunately, all that online spending is a huge motivator for scammers. Cyber-criminals set up fake shopping websites with the aim of selling consumers knockoff goods, stealing their information, or just taking their [...]
A hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts, disclosed an email hack of its employee email system, which may have exposed the personal information of thousands of patients. Earlier this month, UMass Memorial Health alerted patients who were affected by the hospital data breach, according to the AP News. In a notice to affected patients, the hospital [...]
Private companies and large government agencies aren’t the only organizations that need to prioritize cybersecurity. Kindergarten through 12th-grade schools are also targeted by cybercriminals with hacks, ransomware, phishing scams, data breaches and more. According to the K-12 Security Information Exchange, last year set a record of cyber incidents in schools, with 408 disclosed incidents. [...]
If you’re a sole proprietor or independent contractor, there’s a good chance you’ve used your Social Security number (SSN) to conduct business. Whether you’re filing taxes, applying for a business credit card or other general business activities, sole proprietors often have to use a SSN when there isn’t an alternative. Unfortunately, using your SSN [...]
Personal medical documents are valuable assets. Unfortunately, that means criminals are after those documents, too. Medical documents may contain personal information that includes your name, location, contact information, insurance policies, Social Security number and history of medical treatment. Criminals can use this information to open fraudulent accounts or even receive medical treatment using your identity. Your [...]
Just about any type of payment you make can be done without paper checks these days. You can pay your bills through online portals, shop with credit cards or mobile payment apps and send money to your friends and family with Venmo or Zelle. But many people and businesses still rely on paper checks [...]
Identity theft insurance is a type of insurance policy that can help victims recover from losses caused by identity theft. It may be offered as a standalone policy, or as a benefit with other types of insurance or identity protection plans. Not all identity theft insurance policies offer the same level of coverage. If you’re [...]
Life is hectic and it’s easy to miss details sometimes, even when that detail happens to be a bill coming due. Making your payments on time can be tough when you’re having financial troubles or simply juggling a lot of responsibilities. It’s important to pay your bills on time to protect your credit health. [...]
The news cycle has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the presidential election, nationwide protests and a whole lot more. With all that transpired over the last few months, and even with the SolarWinds cyberattack making headlines, it might be easy to forget that data breaches and hacks continue to expose the personal information [...]
Identity theft has been around for a long time, and it continues to evolve and adapt with the times. With the variety of scams out there, it’s easy to get bogged down in rumors and half-truths. When it comes to identity theft, you need to avoid believing misinformation and spreading it to others. Here [...]
Every day, criminals scour the internet for personal information they can use to commit fraud and identity theft. In this digital age, individuals need to take steps to protect their privacy and information from fraudsters. This is as true for children as it is for adults, as kids can be victims of identity theft well [...]
To use a credit card for establishing credit, you need to have at least one open card that can be reported to the credit agencies. But beyond that, there’s no definitive number of cards you need to have in your wallet for good credit. While your credit cards directly impact your credit, the number of [...]
According to the Federal Reserve, synthetic identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft in the country. Synthetic identity theft occurs when a criminal uses a combination of real and falsified data to create a fictional identity for financial gain and other fraud. Children are particularly appealing victims for synthetic [...]
No one is completely safe from identity theft – not even after they die. In a form of identity theft known as “ghosting”, criminals can use a deceased person’s personal information to file false tax returns, claim Social Security benefits, open fraudulent loans and credit cards and more. Millions of deceased Americans have their [...]
Medical records are a prime target for cybercriminals, and data breaches are a frequent occurrence in the health care industry. These records are valuable because they may contain a large variety of personal information, including your name, address, insurance information, Social Security number (SSN) and medical history. Medical records can be used to commit [...]
Across the country, states have implemented contact tracing programs to help track the spread of the coronavirus. Contact tracing is the process of finding individuals who have come in contact with a person who has COVID-19, learning about their movements and asking them to quarantine or monitor their symptoms. Contact tracers are hired by [...]
This fall, college students are returning to school or logging on from a distance during a time of deep economic insecurity. While the coronavirus pandemic may have devastated some job opportunities, there are still ways for college students to work on establishing financial independence before they graduate. Having a strong credit history can help students [...]
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, a record 32 million adult Americans lived with their parents or grandparents as of April. The pandemic is one likely culprit, but other factors – including housing costs and high student debt – have contributed to this phenomenon for years. Moving back in with your parents [...]
Whether you’re giving money to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic or supporting political activism, donating to charity is a worthy endeavor. If you’re donating to charity for the first time or you’ve been supporting your favorite causes for years, it’s a good idea to ensure your donation is safe and the [...]
Business clients applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with Bank of America may have had their personal and business information exposed in a data breach, according to a letter the bank sent to affected customers. The data breach occurred on April 22 as Bank of America uploaded customers’ PPP loan applications to the [...]
Protecting your identity is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy credit and financial security. This is especially true in the age of COVID-19 scams, data breaches, cybersecurity threats and identity theft, when becoming a victim of fraud can do lasting damage to your credit and finances. The longer that identity theft continues unnoticed, the [...]
A data breach in the Small Business Association (SBA) loan application portal may have exposed the personal information of thousands of businesses last month as they submitted emergency loan applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Washington Post. The SBA has seen a large influx of applications from struggling businesses seeking emergency loans [...]
With hackers and scammers going to unprecedented lengths to steal information during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to know about tools you can use to help make it more difficult for criminals to access your information. While data security and identity theft are complicated issues, taking steps to reduce your exposure doesn’t have to [...]
As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, having an emergency savings fund is important for handling unexpected expenses. From job loss to reduced income to other unplanned issues, it is important to save up a few months’ worth of expenses to weather financial storms. Building a strong emergency savings fund takes more than slipping [...]
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused enormous financial insecurity across the country, with more than 10 million Americans applying for unemployment last month alone. If you’ve been financially affected, you’re probably worried about how you’re going to pay your bills. Timely bill payments aren’t just important to maintain your housing, services and other essentials. You [...]
The coronavirus pandemic has already dealt a severe blow to the American economy and has caused financial insecurity for countless citizens. The situation seems poised to get worse before it gets better. If you’re experiencing financial hardship – such as a job loss or reduced income – because of COVID-19-related circumstances, there are local, state [...]
After doing your taxes, you might find out you owe a hefty tax bill to the IRS. Millions of people owe the IRS every tax season and coming up with the money all at once can be a big financial burden. While you probably won’t be able to get out of paying the IRS, [...]
Microsoft recently announced a data breach affecting one of its customer databases and exposing millions of records, including the personally identifying information (PII) of some customers who may have used Microsoft support since 2005. Between Dec. 5 and Dec. 31, a change made to an internal customer support database’s network security contained misconfigured security [...]
Planning a debt-free vacation is ideal. But traveling is costly, and the expenses can really stack up when it comes to vacations. Many people end up piling debt onto their credit cards just to travel to exciting destinations or get some rest and relaxation. If you want to plan a vacation this year without [...]
If you went into debt shopping for the holidays, you’re probably not alone. Many American consumers plan to put at least some of their holiday spending on their credit card to pay off later. But putting too much holiday debt on your credit card can be bad for your wallet and your credit. Large [...]
There is a general lack of awareness surrounding credit, as American consumers’ knowledge about credit scores has been on a steady decline since 2012. And when you aren’t informed about your credit, it can be easy to believe misinformation and even spread it to others. Unfortunately, believing falsehoods about your credit can lead you to [...]
The highest profile data breaches and cyberattacks often involve big businesses with millions of customers. But private companies aren’t the only organizations that are vulnerable to cybercrime – local governments are also popular targets for criminals. According to Verizon’s 2019 Data Breach Investigation, 16% of all 2018 data breaches involved public sector entities including [...]
SMS communications company TrueDialog left millions of text messages exposed and unprotected in an online database that security researchers discovered last month, according to reports. TrueDialog is a communications company that enables clients, including private businesses and universities, to send text messages to customers, students and other individuals. The service allows message recipients to respond [...]
Macy’s officials have alerted customers that their personal data and payment information may have been exposed via a data breach on the department store’s retail website. The breach allowed an “unauthorized third party” to harvest customers’ personal data and payment card information from macys.com. According to a letter to customers dated Nov. 14, Macy’s [...]
This holiday season alone, retail industry professionals expect Americans to spend more than $1 trillion. Criminals see this increased spending as an opportunity to rip off consumers, steal their money, and obtain their personal data to commit fraud and identity theft. It pays to be vigilant. Here are four types of scams to watch [...]
These days, many banks and service providers offer automatic payments to make paying your bills a little easier. This feature lets the companies you do business with automatically charge your credit card or debit your bank account on a predetermined date every month. While automatic payments can remove many of the headaches associated with [...]
The 7-Eleven Fuel app suffered a data breach in Australia last week that exposed users’ personal details. The app uses customer location and pricing data to help drivers find the best gas prices at local 7-Elevens, and lock in the low prices by prepaying. A customer reported the breach to 7-Eleven when he discovered [...]
The debts that appear on your credit report are typically sorted into two different types: revolving credit and installment credit. These debt types can affect your credit in different ways. But what’s the difference between revolving credit and installment credit? We break it down below. What is Revolving Credit? Revolving credit extends a fixed line [...]
Email and phone phishing scams are commonplace in the modern age. Their goal is to trick you into providing personal information, such as bank account numbers or personally identifying data, that can be used to commit fraud or identify theft. But thanks to spam filters and call screening, many phishing scams now go ignored. [...]
Many retailers, from online sellers to department stores and smaller chains, have their own version of a store-branded credit card. Chances are that you’ve been offered one in exchange for a discount off your purchase at some point. While retailers often try to lure customers at the cash register with savings, store credit cards aren’t [...]
You already know that a decent credit score can help you get approved for the credit cards, loans, and other financial products you need. The better your credit score, the better your odds of securing approval. But there are other financial incentives to building a good credit score – it can actually save you a [...]
Now is the time to protect yourself against account fraud and identity theft, which can do massive damage to your credit and finances. Luckily, you don’t have to be a finance guru or cybersecurity wizard to better protect your money and identity. Here are four realistic anti-fraud changes you can make immediately to protect yourself: [...]
Missing a monthly bill payment carries consequences more severe than late fees and embarrassment. Late payments can cause long-term damage to your credit score and affect your ability to qualify for loans and other financial products. You should always try to make your payments in full and on time to avoid these consequences, as your [...]
When it comes to consumer protection and security, not all credit cards are created equal. While all credit cards do offer basic security features, some cards go above and beyond to protect cardholders. If you’re looking for a new credit card, you should make sure the credit card issuer is prepared to provide protection. Here [...]
Identity thieves use stolen personal information to open fraudulent accounts, empty bank accounts, and wreak havoc on their victims’ credit and finances. If you become a victim of identity theft, it’s important to catch it early. The sooner you find out your identity has been stolen, the sooner you can take action and prevent any [...]
There is a lot of coordination that goes into planning a vacation – you’ve got to arrange travel, lodging, logistics, food, and more – and that’s all while you figure out how to pay for your trip! But if you’re planning on booking a rental property for your vacation, you also need to look out [...]
There are many travel scams that target tourists with the aim of separating them from their money or committing identity theft. Some scams, such as phony travel offers and fake rental listings, may occur before you even disembark on your trip. But assuming your travel arrangements are legitimate, you still need to be careful once [...]
Medical costs are a serious issue in the United States. The average U.S. consumer spends more than $10,000 a year on medical care, and one in five Americans has reported problems with paying his or her medical bills. But medical debt can put a dent in more than your bank account. It can also land [...]
Building a strong credit score may seem like a complicated undertaking, but it generally involves making informed choices and avoiding common pitfalls. When you don’t know what behaviors to avoid, you could be dragging down your credit score without knowing it. Don’t let unintended blunders hurt your credit. Here are seven common credit mistakes to [...]
The internet is an amazing source of information, but it also contains many unique threats. One important concern in the digital age is online privacy; thieves, hackers, and other criminals may be trying to access your data and information for their own personal gain. Kids are just as vulnerable as adults (if not more so), [...]
Credit cards with strong balance transfer offers can help cardholders with high-interest rates pay down their credit card debt faster and more affordably. In theory, it’s a simple concept: you simply move your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate, with the intention of paying down your debt quicker. [...]
