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?

Credit card skimming is a form of identity theft that involves copying a credit card or debit card’s information to use for fraud. An illegal device called a skimmer is installed at a gas pump, ATM, or other payment terminal to copy card information from the magnetic strip to a storage device. Criminals can then retrieve the stolen information and use it to make fraudulent purchases.

How Common Is Credit Card Skimming?

Credit card skimming is one of the most common types of fraud and costs consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion a year, according to the FBI.

Where Are Credit Card Skimmers Most Often Used?

Credit card skimmers are often placed on ATMs and gas pumps, but they can be placed on most types of electronic points of sale. Tourist areas are popular targets for credit card skimming devices, but they can appear at merchants in any region.

Who Are the Most Common Victims of Credit Card Skimming?

Anyone who uses a credit card or debit card to make purchases can become a victim of credit card skimming. But your risk of prolonged fraud and losses increases if you don’t regularly monitor your accounts.

What Does a Credit Card Skimmer Look Like?

It can be challenging to spot skimming devices because they come in various forms and are designed to blend in seamlessly with card scanners.

There are three main kinds of card skimmers: overlays, shims, and built-in skimmers. Overlays are fake card readers that are placed over the real card reader. When you swipe your card, an overlay can collect your payment information. They might look slightly bulkier or have a different texture than the original reader; be wary of any card reader that feels loose or appears tampered with.

Instead of covering the outside of card readers, shims are thin inserts placed inside the legitimate card reader slot, making them very difficult to notice. Shims capture your card data as you insert it. Look for gaps or unevenness around the card reader slot, and never force your card in if the slot feels tight.

Built-in skimmers are more sophisticated and permanently installed within a card reader. They’re virtually undetectable by casual observation. To avoid these, opt for card readers that are within view of a security camera or cashier.

How to Help Avoid Credit Card Skimmers

Here are some tips to help avoid credit card skimmers.

Learn How to Spot a Credit Card Skimmer

Checking for a skimmer usually only takes a few seconds:

• Look for damage to the card slot or PIN pad, which could be a sign that the machine has been tampered with.
• Wiggle the card reader or keypad with your hand. If it feels loose or moves easily, it could be a skimmer.
• Compare the card slot to other nearby machines, such as the neighboring gas pump.
• Some gas station pumps have security stickers installed on the card readers. If the sticker looks tampered with, don’t use the card reader.

Use Contactless Payments

Embracing contactless payments is one of the most effective ways to avoid credit card skimmers. Many cards now come equipped with contactless payment technology, allowing you to simply tap your card against a reader to complete a transaction. This eliminates the need for your card to physically enter a reader, protecting it from skimmers that read that magnetic strip or chip on your card.

Choose a Machine in View of Security

Use an ATM, gas pump, or point-of-sale terminal that is within view of security, a cashier, or a bank teller. Criminals are less likely to target machines where they can be caught installing skimmers.

Look out for Hidden Cameras

There may be hidden cameras installed on gas pumps or ATMs to spy on your keystrokes and capture your personal identification number (PIN). If you see a camera, report it to the merchant. It’s also a good idea to cover your hands when inputting your PIN number to avoid shoulder surfing.

Monitor Your Accounts

Someone who gains access to your credit card or debit card information can use it to make purchases. Monitor your accounts and read your monthly statements to look for unauthorized transactions. Immediately report any suspicious activity to the financial institution.

Use a Credit Card for Purchases

Using a credit card for your purchases offers greater consumer protection, as your liability for fraudulent charges can never exceed $50. Most credit card providers extend $0 liability to their cardholders as an added protection.

Debit cards, on the other hand, can only limited to $50 liability if the debit card holder notifies the bank within two days of discovering fraud. That liability increases to $500 if the cardholder waits longer than two days. And, if fraud isn’t reported within 60 days, the cardholder may be liable for all losses.

You should check your credit and debit card terms and conditions for your specific requirements.

Sign Up for Identity Theft Protection

Even if you are attentive to all the warning signs of card skimmers, all it takes is one slip-up for your payment info to fall into the wrong hands. The best course of action is to use a robust identity theft protection platform with tools and services that not only help you prevent identity theft but also recover from it while mitigating damages. This can help you safeguard your finances while also giving you an extra safety net.

Credit monitoring can help protect you from identity theft by watching your credit report, Social Security number, and other crucial aspects of your identity for signs of fraud. You receive alerts when possibly suspicious activity is detected to help you quickly respond when fraud occurs.

IdentityIQ provides 24/7 credit monitoring with real-time alerts, along with many other features for prevention and recovery, such as internet and dark web monitoring and identity theft insurance of up to $1 million, underwritten by AIG

FAQs

How can you tell if your card has been skimmed?

If you find unauthorized charges on your credit card or bank account, your card information may have been stolen. Regularly review your credit card statements for any charges you don’t recognize. Even small, out-of-pattern charges could be a sign of skimming. If you see several charges from the same place you haven’t been to, especially if they’re close together in time, this could be a sign your card information was used through a skimmer.

Can you get your money back from a skimmed card?

If you report fraudulent charges to your credit card provider or bank immediately, you may be able to recover most, if not all, of your losses. It’s important to remember that credit cards usually offer greater liability protections against fraud, while debit cards are less likely to offer strong protection.

Do credit card skimmers work on chip cards?

Most skimmers copy the data from the magnetic strip on your credit card, so it is usually safer to use the chip on your card as they are more heavily encrypted. However, it is possible for chip cards to be skimmed with more sophisticated devices, such as shimming devices that are installed directly into the card reader.

Can a credit card be skimmed by tapping?

Payment terminals with contactless technology that let you tap to pay may help prevent your card from being skimmed. This is because most card skimmers rely on a physical connection between the skimmer and the card in order to steal payment information. But it is possible to skim a wireless payment by using an RFID skimmer. These devices use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to capture the radio waves emitted by contactless cards. The skimmer then decodes these waves to extract your card information, such as your card number and expiration date. However, RFID skimmers are fairly uncommon. They also have a limited range of only a few centimeters and require the skimmer to be very close to your card, making them less effective in crowded environments or when you’re holding your card close to your body.

Do credit card skimmers work on mobile wallets?

Credit card skimmers should not work on mobile wallets on your phone. This is partly because mobile wallets use encrypted tokens instead of transmitting your actual card number, making it much harder for skimmers to capture usable data. Mobile wallets are also updated regularly to maintain their digital security.

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 theft. Every day, criminals scour the internet, including social media, for personal information they can use to commit fraud.

Here’s what you need to know about “sharenting” and how it can lead to identity theft.

What Is Sharenting?

Sharenting happens when parents, guardians, or other family members post about children online, including videos, images, accomplishments, and other information. Social media platforms are often the preferred method for sharenting.

What Are the Concerns Around Sharenting?

Sharenting raises several privacy and security concerns:

• Some parent bloggers and influencers may post their children to establish and grow a social media audience. These posts may be sponsored or used for advertising, which creates concerns about the exploitation of children for financial gain.
• Social media platforms collect data about their users to share with advertisers. This may include data about the user’s children and data about underage users as well.
• Children may not be able to provide informed consent when it comes to sharing information about them online because they don’t fully understand the risks and issues tied to a digital presence. Essentially, their online identity can be shaped for them before they have control over it.
• Sharenting can give criminals the information they need to commit identity theft, which may have long-reaching consequences for the victim’s future.

How Sharenting Can Lead to Identity Theft

When you share information about your kids, you are creating an online footprint that your child has little or no control over. And some of the information you share can be valuable to identity thieves.

Your child’s full name, date of birth, and age are key types of personally identifiable information (PII) that can be used to commit identity theft. Criminals hunt through social media platforms to look for public posts that give them clues to decipher this information (or hand it over outright). For example, a post about your newborn baby could clue an identity thief into your child’s name and birth date.

It’s true that most types of identity theft will require a Social Security number (SSN). But if a criminal has already managed to find your child’s SSN, they can fill in the rest from social media to open fraudulent accounts in your child’s name. With synthetic identity theft, thieves can also combine some of your child’s PII with falsified information to create a fake identity using your child’s SSN.

Child identity theft can go undetected for years. Most parents don’t think to check their child’s SSN, and the child can’t apply for credit until they’re 18. Your child may not discover their SSN has been stolen until they apply for a loan, credit card, or apartment lease.

While the victim won’t be held legally responsible for financial losses caused by identity theft, they may need to spend months or even years restoring their identity. This can involve a lot of time-consuming work and even out-of-pocket expenses.

Another form of identity theft is known as digital kidnapping. With digital kidnapping, a stranger steals a photo of a child and poses as the child or their parents. The impostor’s motivation could be to gain a social media following or commit fraud by tricking the child’s friends or family.

Other Reasons You Shouldn’t Overshare Your Kids’ Information Online

There are several other reasons why you should avoid oversharing about your kids online:

Shaping Children’s Digital Identities and Impacting Identity Development

By the age of two, 92% of American children already have an online identity. When parents establish an online identity for their child, the child’s sense of individuality and independence may be harmed in the long run. Children may prefer boundaries concerning what types of posts can be shared and who should see them.

When children aren’t consulted about sharenting, it can rob them of their ability to develop their own identity. And very young children have no way to grasp the concept of an online identity or the risks associated with sharing content online.

Cyberbullying and Social Pressure

Children with a substantial online presence may be vulnerable to cyberbullying. Preteens and adolescents in particular may feel self-conscious about their appearance, online image, and how they appear to their peers.

Sharenting Is Difficult to Undo

Sometimes you may post something about your child that you wish to take down. Maybe it contains PII that you didn’t want to share, or maybe you realize your child would find the post embarrassing someday. But deleting a photo doesn’t automatically erase it because someone could have downloaded the image already. Plus, certain websites can save and archive public social media posts.

Impacting Your Child’s Future

Those embarrassing photos, videos, and other content that you share about your kids? They could affect your child’s future in unpredictable ways. For example, college recruiters or potential employers could make decisions about your child based on the photos you’ve posted.

7 Ways to Help Protect Your Child Online

There are several ways to help protect your child online and avoid oversharing:

1. Minimize What You Share

Don’t over-post about your child on social media and avoid sharing sensitive information, including your child’s full name, birth date, address, pet names, and favorite places to visit. Cybercriminals can exploit these details to commit identity theft, hack into accounts, or even target your child where they are located. You also shouldn’t share photos of your child that they may not want others to see, either now or in the future.

2. Remove Metadata from Files

A photo’s metadata contains details such as the time, data, and geotag. Someone can determine your location and other information about you by examining the photo’s metadata. Turn off geotagging in your phone to help ensure photos don’t contain sensitive information. You can also use certain apps to remove metadata before you post a picture.

3. Post Anonymously

When you need social support because of parenting challenges but want to maintain privacy, consider looking for an online support group where you can post anonymously. That way, you can receive support and guidance from other parents who can relate to your situation without compromising your child’s privacy.

4. Enable Privacy Settings

Check and customize the privacy policies and settings of the websites you use and consider choosing the most restrictive privacy settings. You may be able to keep photos restricted only to specific individuals, for example.

Always know what information is collected by the websites you use. Under federal law, websites must get a parent’s permission before they collect data from children under the age of 13.

5. Reduce Your Followers

Consider whittling down your social media followers to only family members and trusted friends. Or you can switch to other services to share photos – for example, Flickr allows you to create invitation-only photo albums.

6. Hide Names and Faces

Searching someone’s name online can reveal details such as their email, age, address, and social media accounts. To help keep your kid safe, consider using a fictional name or just using initials. You can also protect your kids’ privacy by hiding key features in photos and blurring or blocking their faces.

7. Ask Your Child for Permission

If your child is old enough to understand the internet and consent to sharing their photos online, start seeking their permission before you post anything. Offer a preview of what you are about to post. Should your kids ask you not to post specific pictures or content, you should honor that request.

Of course, keep in mind that your child may not understand the implications of having their image out there online — so while they may give their consent for you to share a photo, they may not be doing so from the most informed point of view.

Bottom Line: Prioritize Privacy and Security Over Social Media Sharing

In this digital era, it’s common for parents to share photos and videos of their children on social media. But this can put a child’s safety, privacy, social life, and self-image at risk. Consider the risks and long-term effects before you share anything about your kids. And make sure to educate your kids about safe social media and internet practices so they can protect themselves online.

FAQs

What are the different types of sharenting?

Sharenting can come in many forms, from posting pictures of your kids to bragging about your kid’s accomplishments. It’s important to be mindful of your child’s privacy and to think about how your posts might affect your kids in the future.

What are some of the negative consequences of sharenting?

Sharenting can lead to several negative consequences. It can make children feel self-conscious and exposed. It takes away their power to shape their own digital identities (or avoid social media altogether). And it can even lead to being targeted by criminals for fraud and identity theft.

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 anonymity makes it fertile ground for illegal activity.

Read on for an overview of the origins and history of the dark web, and answers to common questions you need to know before you use it.

What Is the Dark Web?

The dark web consists of websites and services that operate anonymously and aren’t accessible in the “public” part of the internet. This means that dark websites cannot be found using common search engines such as Google or standard web browsers like Chrome. Dark web users need a special browser, called Tor, to access it. Dark website URLs end in .onion, and they can’t be accessed with any other type of web browser.

The dark web is known for its privacy and anonymity. There are plenty of legitimate reasons to use it to remain private and anonymous — such as bypassing government censorship, finding niche content, participating in forums or chat boards, whistleblowing crimes to journalists, or even contacting the CIA.

But the dark web is also associated with illegal activities including the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and illegal pornography, hacking and cybercrime, terrorism, and the sale of stolen data or personal information.

Transactions on the dark web are typically conducted using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to maintain anonymity. Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts actively monitor the dark web to look for lawbreakers. It’s important to exercise caution and use appropriate security measures when using the dark web to help avoid encountering criminals or illegal content.

Deep Web vs. Dark Web: What’s the Difference?

The deep web is also made up of content that is not indexed by search engines and requires a login to access. You probably use the deep web all the time — examples may include bank accounts, your email, and login-restricted content such as news or streaming entertainment. The deep web is far and away the largest part of the internet.

The dark web is similar in that it can’t be found by search engines, but that is where the similarities end. Unlike the deep web, the dark web can’t be found via standard web browsers or by navigating to a login page through a “public” facing website.

The History of the Dark Web

1990s: Creation of Onion Routing

Dark web history is packed with government influence. “Onion routing” – the core principle that enables Tor to maintain user anonymity — was developed and funded in the mid-1990s by the U.S. federal government.

Onion routing was created to protect individuals in the intelligence community by allowing them to communicate anonymously. It also served to protect whistleblowers, allow freedom of thought and expression for citizens and journalists who lived under oppressive regimes, and keep others out of danger by protecting their anonymity.

Onion routing was first developed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory by scientists Paul Syverson, David Goldschlag, and Michael Reed. The project’s development continued through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) until the U.S. Navy patented onion routing in 1998.

2002 – 2006: Origins of the Tor Project

After onion routing was patented, additional computer scientists joined the original development team in 2002 and created the biggest project for onion routing yet: The Onion Routing Project, now commonly known as the Tor Project.

The Navy would later release the code for Tor under a free license. In 2006, several of the same scientists who developed Tor founded the Tor Project, a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization. The Tor Project maintains the software and browser of the same name and still receives funding from the U.S. government.

Current and past sponsors of the Tor Project include multiple branches of the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, as well as governments of other modernized countries, human rights foundations, and many others. These sponsors fund the Tor Project because they believe it helps protect advocates of democracy in authoritarian states.

The Tor Project maintains that while it accepts federal funding, the organization does not work with the NSA to reveal the identities of any of its users.

Early 2000s – Present: Tor’s Illegal Uses

While Tor (and similar dark web software/browsers) have uses that keep people safe, the anonymity that it provides can be exploited for criminal purposes.

The dark web created a unique opportunity for digital black markets to thrive, and people began to take advantage. Transactions on the dark web are often carried out with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, which are unregulated and difficult to trace back to the user.

These transactions can range from drug and weapon purchases to illicit pornography and even human trafficking. While new hidden services frequently pop up, law enforcement agencies continually work to shut down dark marketplaces and bust the people behind them. Even though Tor is known for keeping its users anonymous, law enforcement has methods to identify and locate criminals.

One particularly infamous example of this is the story of Ross Ulbricht and the Silk Road — a story that caused many people to hear about the dark web for the first time.

February 2011: Ross Ulbricht Creates the Silk Road Marketplace

“I created Silk Road because I thought the idea for the website itself had value, and that bringing Silk Road into being was the right thing to do. I believed at the time that people should have the right to buy and sell whatever they wanted so long as they weren’t hurting anyone else… Silk Road was supposed to be about giving people the freedom to make their own choices, to pursue their own happiness, however they individually saw fit.”

– Excerpt from Ross Ulbricht’s letter to Judge Katherine Forrest prior to his sentencing

The Silk Road was essentially a dark web marketplace for drugs. Users could buy their products with Bitcoin and even leave ratings and reviews to inform other buyers of safety, quality, etc. Think eBay but untraceable.

The marketplace was created by Ross Ulbricht, known as Dread Pirate Roberts on the site. He was a 26-year-old recent graduate of Penn State University with a master’s degree in materials science and engineering. Over the course of his days as a graduate student, he developed a strong interest and belief in libertarian philosophy and economic theory.

Following his graduation, he was unsatisfied with a regular day job and his legitimate attempts at entrepreneurship continually fell through. That’s when Ulbricht conceived the Silk Road, a marketplace where people could buy and sell whatever they wanted.

Ulbricht believed people should have the freedom to sell and purchase the products that they desired, despite their illegality, so long as they were not causing harm to anyone else. The way he saw it, he was setting up a truly free market that was safe from the grasp of law enforcement. It should be noted that the sale of any product used to “harm or defraud” another individual was strictly prohibited.

June 2011: The Silk Road Gains Popularity

Using the Tor network as the anonymous marketplace and Bitcoin as the medium of exchange, the Silk Road became a one-stop shop for just about every mind-altering substance that exists. The hidden service gained traction in 2011 and then hit the mainstream when a Gawker article about the site was published.

By this time, it had caught the attention of law enforcement and politicians. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, called for an investigation by federal authorities including the DEA and Department of Justice to shut the site down.

From 2011 to 2013, the Silk Road hosted 1.2 million transactions between 957,079 users, totaling about $1.2 billion in value. According to the FBI, Dread Pirate Roberts earned $79.8 million in commission from all the transactions. (Ulbricht claims he sold the site to someone else and was no longer Dread Pirate Roberts at the time of his arrest and subsequent conviction.)

2013: The End of the Silk Road

Authorities were able to trace the pseudonym back to Ulbricht thanks to the efforts of an IRS investigator who was working with the DEA on the Silk Road case in mid-2013.

With a mix of infiltration, social engineering, and many hours of investigative work, authorities were able to discover Ulbricht’s identity. He was arrested in San Francisco, where his seized laptop provided ample evidence that he was the mastermind behind the Silk Road.

He was charged with money laundering, computer hacking, and conspiracy to traffic narcotics. It was alleged he offered a total of $700,000 for hitmen services to take out people who were trying to blackmail him, but he was never charged for these allegations for lack of sufficient evidence.

Throughout his trial, Ulbricht’s lawyers maintained that he was no longer the individual in control of Dread Pirate Roberts and had been set up as a fall guy. The judge ruled that any “speculative statements” claiming that Ulbricht was no longer in charge of the Silk Road would not be allowed and were to be removed from the record of the case, even though the account had been accessed while he was incarcerated and awaiting his trial.

The FBI shut down the Silk Road in October 2013.

May 2015: Ulbricht is Sentenced

On May 29, 2015, Ulbricht was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years without the possibility of parole.

He serves as a cautionary tale of placing too much faith in the ability to remain anonymous in the dark corners of the web. He and his family continue to fight what they see as an unjust sentence. Many individuals (including the creator of Silk Road 2.0) were convicted of similar crimes and received sentences of less than 10 years.

2015 – Present

Following the demise of Silk Road, many other illegal dark marketplaces popped up to take its place. Just as quickly, illegal marketplaces that get created may get shut down by law enforcement. Today, the dark web still operates as a place for users to navigate the web anonymously, whether it be for legal or illegal reasons. Law enforcement continues to track activity on the dark web with the aim of shutting down criminal enterprises.

The Future of the Dark Web

The future of the dark web is uncertain as it continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and law enforcement methods. New encryption and anonymity tools may arise to counter the advancement of law enforcement and government monitoring tools.

Cryptocurrencies will likely remain the primary way to facilitate dark web transactions. And the dark web will likely continue to act as a hub for criminal activities including drug trafficking, illegal pornography, cybercrime, and the sale of stolen data. Just as important to note, the dark web will continue to offer privacy and safety for people who want to use it for legitimate reasons.

Law enforcement will continue to invest in resources and technology to help them monitor and combat crime on the dark web, as well as collaborate across borders to tackle illegal dark web operations. And dark web users may respond by developing more sophisticated methods to avoid detection.

Public awareness about the use and risks associated with the dark web can help individuals protect themselves and avoid its more dangerous aspects. Ultimately, the future of the dark web rests on the balance between technology, law enforcement, and societal attitudes toward privacy and online security.

Dark Web Regulations

There have been many proponents for greater regulation of the dark web. For example, the G20 and the Financial Action Task Force have promoted the idea of cryptocurrency companies providing information on users and their transactions. Regulations that can affect the dark web include:

• Prohibition of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, certain types of pornography, and the sale of stolen consumer data.
• Cooperation agreements that allow law enforcement agencies to partner and share information when investigating dark web crimes.
• Surveillance and monitoring initiatives that enable authorities to track and identify individuals on the dark web.
• Restriction of encryption technologies in some countries, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) to prevent users from hiding their identities online.
• Financial regulations that monitor and direct online transactions.

Of course, enforcing these regulations can prove challenging due to the anonymous nature of the dark web. Penalties may range from fines to imprisonment depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense.

Dark Web FAQs

Is it illegal to access the dark web?

It is not illegal to access the dark web.

How do you get on the dark web?

You need Tor, a secure browser, to access the dark web. You can then enter a dark web URL to visit a website or search for content using a dark web directory. Consider using a VPN to maintain greater anonymity.

What should you do if your information is on the dark web?

If your personal information is found on the dark web using a dark web scan, your identity is already at risk. You could become the victim of financial fraud, employment identity scams, tax identity theft, and more. Here are the steps you should take if your information is found on the dark web:

• Freeze your credit reports with the credit bureaus.
• Change your passwords for your online accounts and create strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Turn on multifactor authentication for all online accounts.
• Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for signs of fraud.

One of the strongest weapons in the fight against identity theft is IdentityIQ credit and identity monitoring. You can monitor your credit reports and other national databases and receive alerts when suspicious activity occurs. In addition, IdentityIQ provides dark web monitoring to scour the dark web for your information and warn you when it’s found.

What are some of the risks of the dark web?

Risks on the dark web include illegal drugs, weapons and firearms, hacking tools and services, fraudulent documents and counterfeit money, malware and ransomware, identity theft, and more.

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. While the danger is real, the good news is that there are several clear signs and signals to look out for that can help individuals discern genuine communications from malicious ones.

Understanding and recognizing these key indicators can help professionals bolster their organizations’ digital defenses and protect employees’ personal information.

In this article, we delve into the anatomy of email phishing and provide actionable insights to help you get through your inbox with confidence.

What Is Phishing?

At its core, phishing is a deceptive technique employed by cybercriminals to trick individuals into divulging sensitive personal information like usernames, passwords, credit card details, or other confidential data.

You may be wondering how bad actors get access to this data, and the answer is quite simple — impersonation. Cybercriminals craft emails or other communications that mirror legitimate correspondence from trustworthy entities, be it a bank, service provider, or even your workplace.

One of the most alarming aspects of phishing is the sophistication with which these fake communications are designed. They’re often almost indistinguishable from genuine emails, which is why a staggering 97% of people struggle to identify them, according to recent research.

This high level of trickery and deception is exactly what makes phishing such a prevalent and effective cyberattack strategy for bad actors out there, threatening workplaces of all sizes.

To underline the gravity of the threat, consider this: last year alone, over 500 million phishing attacks were reported, which marks a significant surge compared to the year before. This paints a clear picture of the growing menace phishing poses to both businesses and individuals.

Being caught in a phishing scheme can have dire consequences, ranging from financial loss to compromised data and breached security protocols. As such, recognizing the gravity of this threat and taking proactive measures to help protect yourself is essential.

In a world where cyberthreats are all around us, awareness and education on phishing and its tactics are the first line of defense.

10 Tips to Spot Email Phishing

Cybersecurity continues to remain a top concern these days, and phishing emails rank among the most cunning threats posed by cybercriminals trying to get access to various businesses.

These malicious emails are carefully tailored to deceive and extract personal information from unsuspecting recipients. They can result in data breaches at companies, which can have devastating consequences.

But how can you differentiate between a genuine email and a phishing attempt? Here are ten vital tips to assist you in spotting and steering clear of phishing emails:

• Generic Email Domain: A legitimate company will usually communicate from its corporate domain, not from free email services like Gmail or Outlook. Be wary of such generic domains.
• Poorly Written Content: Phishing emails often lack the professional touch. Look for unclear meanings, grammatical mistakes, and awkward phrasings that indicate a hastily composed or non-professional email.
• Unfamiliar Greeting or Salutation: If the email doesn’t match the usual style of someone you know, or if the language seems off, be on alert.
• Misspelt Domain Name: Phishers sometimes use domain names that resemble genuine businesses but have minor typos, like “@gnnail” instead of “@gmail,” and other similar mistakes.
• Lack of Contact Details: An official email should always provide authentic contact details. The absence of a real name, business details, or contact information is a red flag.
• Too Good to Be True: Beware of emails promising windfalls, such as winning lotteries or massive discounts. These tempting offers are often baits to lure victims.
• Panic-Inducing Messages: An email threatening severe repercussions or outlining a sudden crisis should be approached with skepticism, especially if it’s unexpected.
• Urgent Calls to Action: Emails that push for immediate action, whether it’s to claim a prize or avoid a penalty, are often designed to rush recipients into making hasty decisions.
• Inconsistencies in Details: Always cross-check email addresses, links, and domain names. If these details appear mismatched or suspicious, it might be a phishing attempt.
• Suspicious Attachments or Links: Never click on or open attachments or links from unknown senders. These could be malware traps or lead to deceptive websites that are aimed at harvesting your data.

Remember to always be cautious of emails requesting personal details, login credentials, or payment information. Reputable and legitimate businesses rarely ask for this kind of information via email. Staying vigilant and well-informed helps you effectively guard against phishing attempts.

Protecting Yourself from Phishing Attempts

Phishing attacks, where cybercriminals impersonate trustworthy entities to steal sensitive data, are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

To help shield yourself from the dangerous grip that phishing attacks can have on your workplace, it’s essential to adopt certain precautionary measures.

Here are some tips to consider to help keep your employees and company safe:

• Be Properly Educated: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques. Cybercriminals are always developing new tactics, and being aware can give you the upper hand.
• Don’t Share Sensitive Information Hastily: Even if an email seems legitimate, never give out personal details, banking specifics, passwords, or sensitive work-related information without verifying the source.
• Request Verification: If an email seems suspicious, seek confirmation. When in doubt, reach out to the entity directly using known contact methods, not the contact details provided in the suspicious email.
• Look for Mistakes: Phishing emails might have grammatical errors, strange wording, or inconsistent branding. These are often giveaways.
• Check the “From” Email Address: Always scrutinize the sender’s email address for oddities, such as extra characters or slight misspellings.
• Hover Over Links: Before clicking links in an email, hover your mouse over them to see the actual web address. If the link address looks weird or doesn’t match the purported sender’s website, don’t click.
• Update Regularly: Ensure your computer, smartphone, and other devices are up to date with the latest security patches. Software updates often contain fixes for known vulnerabilities that phishers and other cybercriminals exploit.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Where possible, enable two-factor authentication for your accounts. This provides an additional layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.
• Utilize Built-In Firewalls: Desktop firewalls and network firewalls are both essential and can block dangerous viruses, worms, and other threats.
• Use Anti-Phishing Software: Consider investing in anti-phishing software for your devices. Such tools offer an added layer of defense against deceptive websites and emails.
• Trust Your Instinct: If something seems off or too good to be true, it probably is. Remember that it’s always better to be cautious than in a bad position.
• Backup Regularly: Regularly backup your data so that you can rapidly restore your systems to a safe state even if something goes awry.
• Report Suspected Phishing Attempts: Always report suspicious emails or websites to the appropriate entities, such as the FTC. This not only helps protect you but can also prevent others from being scammed.

Remember, the key is employing an efficient combination of vigilance and proactivity to keep yourself safe. The more layers of protection you have, and the more educated you are about the threats that are out there, the harder it becomes for phishers to trick you.

Email Phishing FAQs

What could happen if I respond to a phishing email?

If you engage with a phishing email, there’s a risk of unintentionally handing over personal details or other confidential information to cybercriminals.

How do I report a phishing scam?

Suspect a phishing email? Refrain from clicking links or attachments and avoid entering personal data. Forward the email to your service provider’s designated address for reporting scams and ensure your office’s IT department is made aware.

Should I ignore a phishing email?

You should not interact with a suspicious emails. Every phishing email is a fraudulent attempt, and it’s best to avoid interaction with the sender. You should follow your company policies for reporting suspicious emails and may want to consider reporting the email and sender to the FTC to help keep others safe.

If I get a phishing email, should I report it to the company?

Yes, if you’re targeted with a phishing email that appears to come from a recognizable company, it’s crucial to notify them. These malicious emails are designed to deceive you into sharing sensitive details like passwords or credit card numbers, so the company must be made aware.

What happens when you report phishing?

Upon reporting, the phishing email undergoes scrutiny by cybersecurity experts. They trace its origin, investigate its transmission method, examine suspicious links or attachments, and implement measures to shield users and curb the spread of the phishing tactic.

What do I do if I think I’ve been successfully phished?

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a phishing scam:

• Promptly change passwords for potentially compromised accounts.
• Reach out to the entity the scammer was impersonating and inform them about the incident.
• Heighten awareness throughout your company by sharing your real-world experience, helping to ensure that others are alert and can protect themselves from similar kinds of threats.

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 over 69 million players of Neopets, an online virtual pet game, had their customer data exposed — including usernames, emails, passwords, and personally identifiable information (PII) such as birth date, gender, zip code, and country of residence. This type of data can be used to break into gamer accounts or even commit identity theft.

Keeping yourself and your family safe while you game online is important. Here are some safe gaming tips to help protect your privacy as an online gamer.

Safe Gaming Tips

Make Sure Your Passwords are Strong

Don’t reuse passwords or variations of the same password. Always use unique, strong passwords for every account (ideally using random phrases or letters, numbers, and symbols). That way, if someone cracks your password for one account, they won’t be able to break into your other accounts as well. Consider using a password manager, which can automatically create strong, unique passwords and help keep them safe and encrypted.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) can also add greater security at the point of login. When you enable this feature, you’ll be required to provide a second verification when you log in using your mobile device or email. Turn on 2FA for online games that offer it.

Double-Check Privacy Settings

Online video games and gaming platforms have privacy settings to control who can view your profile, activity, IP address, and other information. You should tweak these settings to your comfort level. For example, you can make your profile as private as possible so other users can’t view your gaming history, location, and more.

Be Careful on Social Media

Oversharing on social media may accidentally expose PII and create risks to your privacy and safety. Be careful about what you share on social media, including information about your favorite games and hobbies.

It’s also a good idea to separate your personal life and gaming life, and not connect your social media accounts to your gaming accounts. You also may want to avoid befriending people you meet in-game using your “real” identity on social media. This helps create a line of separation so people in games can’t find you elsewhere online.

Be Careful During Online Interactions

Online games allow gamers to interact with one another, working together (or against each other) in the game and sharing tips, tricks, and strategies. But some gamers may bully, abuse, or try to scam other players. Be careful with your online interactions and don’t interact with players who make you uncomfortable.

Limit Sharing of Personal Details

Limit the amount of personal information you share online and with other gamers. Use a gamer name that doesn’t give away your name, location, or other details about you. Pick an avatar for your profile instead of your picture.

Don’t share too much identifying information on your gaming profile. The more information you provide, the easier it may be for a criminal to steal your identity, access your online accounts, or attempt to scam you. If a stranger asks you to share personal information online, refuse.

Report and Block Malicious Gamers

Online games involve playing with people from all over and from different age groups, which means you may encounter inappropriate behavior and toxic players. Games often have ways to report abusive players, bullying behavior, and scams. If another player is asking you for personal information, harassing you, or making you uncomfortable, you should mute and/or block them and report them. Look for settings that let you report players in the game menu or online platform you’re using.

Be Skeptical

Criminals may try to run scams and phishing attempts disguised as friend requests, special offers, or invitations to visit websites. Ignore, block, and report players who want you to do anything suspicious, especially if they want to interact outside of the video game.

Download Safely

Downloads may contain malware that is designed to harm you, exploit you, or steal private information from your device or network. Don’t download files such as game mods, cheats, or unofficial software from sources that you can’t trust. Examples of trustworthy websites include official game marketplaces or the game developer’s website.

Make Safe Purchases

Be cautious when you make purchases within a game. Review the game’s privacy policies and security protocol before you enter your payment information. You can use virtual credit card numbers, which are temporary card numbers with a short expiration date, to make online purchases without exposing your physical credit card number. Make sure to review your bank account and credit card statements on a regular basis to look for suspicious activity.

Be Nice

Conduct yourself kindly and responsibly when you play online. Don’t use hurtful or discriminatory language, and make sure you’re adhering to the community’s guidelines. The best gaming communities last a long time by supporting players and encouraging positive interactions.

Bottom Line

Today, protecting your privacy and online safety is crucial. Gaming platforms store vast amounts of data about their players, and the risks of identity theft and data breaches are prevalent across the industry. Protecting yourself online by using safe gaming tips such as unique passwords and custom security settings can help you mitigate the risks and enjoy a better online gaming experience.

Use IdentityIQ identity theft protection services to help enhance your online security. IdentityIQ offers comprehensive identity theft protection, including credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, identity restoration services, and more. They even offer digital security tools such as anti-virus software and virtual private networks (VPNs). With IdentityIQ services, you can keep doing what you love while staying safe online.

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 to utilize your IP PIN and keep it safe from criminals.

If you use (or plan to use) an IP PIN on your tax returns, you may be asking yourself: do I get a new IP PIN every year? Here’s what you need to know.

What is an IP PIN?

A tax IP PIN is a unique six-digit number that helps prevent criminals from filing a tax return fraudulently using your Social Security number (SSN) or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The IRS sends IP PINs directly to taxpayers, who must provide them on their electronic or paper tax returns to verify their identity.

The IRS assigns IP PINs to taxpayers with confirmed cases of tax-related identity theft that have been resolved. But anyone with an SSN or ITIN who wants to voluntarily sign up for an IP PIN can do so, whether or not they have experienced identity theft in the past.

Do I Get a New IP PIN Every Year?

The IRS will create a new IP PIN to send you every calendar year before tax season starts, between mid-December and early January, via a CP01A notice in the mail. If you chose to get an IP PIN online you can access it in early January, and you will not receive one in the mail.

How Can I Help Protect My IP PIN?

It’s important to keep your IP PIN safe to prevent tax-related identity theft. Here are some tips for helping protect your IP PIN:

Keep it Confidential

Don’t share your IP PIN with anyone other than your tax preparer and the IRS on your electronic or paper tax return. Never provide your IP PIN to anyone via email, text message, or over the phone.

Secure Physical Documents

Store your tax documents, including your IP PIN, in a secure location like a safe, lockbox, or filing cabinet. Only share documents with trusted individuals, such as your tax preparer. If you receive a CP01A notice and mail your tax return, your IP PIN will be traveling by mail; consider using a locked mailbox and taking your tax return directly to the post office.

In most cases, you will only need to keep your tax returns and records for three years (or seven years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction). Once you no longer need old tax documents, make sure to shred them before you dispose of them.

Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts

Never respond to emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to be from the IRS and asking for your IP PIN. The IRS does not initiate contact through these channels to request IP PINs – these communications are most likely scams. Want to get in touch with the IRS or verify the legitimacy of a communication? Contact the IRS by navigating directly to its website and finding the best option to reach out.

Don’t click links or download attachments from unverified emails or text messages, even if they claim to be from a legitimate source. Make sure that a link or file is secure before you click it or download it.

Be Safe Online

Take steps to stay safe online. Make sure to use unique passwords across every online account you have (a password manager can help you automatically create strong passwords and keep them secure). Sign up for multi-factor authentication (MFA) for any account that offers it to add an extra layer of security at the point of login.

Make sure to install updates and patches to your devices, operating systems, programs, and apps to ensure you’re using software with the latest security enhancements. When you’re out in public, only connect to secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks. If you can’t trust a Wi-Fi connection, just use your mobile data until you get to a secure network.

Regularly Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Fraud can continue for a long time if you don’t catch it quickly. Make sure to monitor your bank account, credit card statements, and credit reports to look for possible suspicious activity. If you believe you are the victim of tax-related identity theft, report it to the IRS immediately.  IdentityIQ identity protection services can help ensure your accounts and personal information are safe from criminals. We continuously monitor your credit reports, financial accounts, and more to look for fraud. You receive notifications for possible suspicious activity, so you can take action quickly.

Update Contact Information with the IRS

Make sure that the IRS has your most up-to-date contact information so they can reach you. Notify the IRS of any changes to your name, address, and contact information promptly. This helps ensure that mail and correspondence from the IRS isn’t sent to the wrong address, causing it to fall into the wrong hands. The IRS provides instructions for how to update your information on its website.

Report Lost or Stolen IP PIN

Can’t find your IP PIN? You can use the online Get an IP PIN tool to access it. You will need to register and validate your identity with IRS.gov if you don’t already have an online account with the IRS.  If you already have an account, you can log in to retrieve your IP PIN (you may need to verify your identity again).

If you can’t get your IP PIN online, you can try calling the IRS at 800-908-4490 to receive assistance and have your IP PIN reissued to you. A representative will need to verify your identity and mail your IP PIN to your address within three weeks.

If you think that your IP PIN has been compromised or that you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, contact the IRS to report your issue and request assistance. If the IRS issued you an IP PIN that was lost or stolen and you didn’t get a new one in the mail, you’ll need to get a new one before you can file your tax return.

Bottom Line

IP PINs are valuable verification tools that can help prevent fraudulent tax returns filed in your name. The IRS will assign you an IP PIN once they resolve a confirmed case of identity theft for you, but you can also proactively request an IP PIN to avoid future cases of fraud. If you’re wondering “do I get a new IP pin every year?”, rest assured that all taxpayers enrolled in the IP PIN program will receive a new IP PIN annually.

Protecting your IP PIN from criminals is important. Make sure to keep your IP PIN and tax documents private. Look out for phishing attempts and take proactive measures to keep yourself safe online. Check your financial accounts and credit reports regularly. Keep your information updated with the IRS, and report lost or stolen IP PINs immediately.

IdentityIQ identity theft protection services monitor your credit reports, SSN, financial accounts, and more to look out for possible suspicious activity and alert you whenever something happens. If you become a victim of identity theft, we can help you restore your identity through identity restoration services and identity theft insurance, underwritten by AIG With these tools, you receive peace of mind through tax season and beyond.

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 dark web, and what you need to know to help protect yourself online.

What Is the Surface Web?

The surface web is the public part of the internet. These sites are indexed by search engines such as Google and can be visited by anyone with an internet connection. When you’re looking at public websites that aren’t hidden behind a login, you are on the surface web.

What Is the Deep Web?

The deep web is part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, which means you can’t find it by searching online. The content on the deep web can only be found using specific tools or websites.

Any time you visit content that requires a direct URL address or login to access, you are visiting the deep web.

Examples of the deep web include:

• Your private email account
• Your online bank account
• Your streaming accounts (such as Netflix or Hulu)
• Your personal social media accounts
• Paid content such as news subscriptions
• Pages not linked to by other pages that require the exact URL to access

You probably access the deep web all the time in your daily life. Deep web pages are simply made up of online content that can’t be found publicly and require special access to visit.

What Is the Dark Web?

The dark web is another part of the internet that cannot be found using search engines, but it also can’t be located using a standard web browser. It requires an anonymous browser to access, and encryption tools make it possible for websites to hide the identity of their creators and users.

There are many legitimate uses of the dark web, but its anonymity also makes it the perfect location for illegal activity.

Some uses for the dark web include:

• Illegal marketplaces that sell drugs, weapons, and other types of contraband.
• Marketplaces and forums that sell or leak consumer’s private information stolen via data breaches or social engineering. This information can be used for fraud and identity theft.
• Hacking forums and websites that provide tools and information needed to carry out cyber-attacks.
• Forums and websites used to organize other illegal activities including fraud, illegal pornography, and terrorism.
• Information and communications sites used by journalists, human rights activists and political dissidents who work in countries that are hostile to free speech.
• Free access to academic research.

Surface Web vs. Deep Web vs. Dark Web – Differences Explained

There are two major differences between the three parts of the internet: their size and accessibility.

Size

Each part of the internet differs in size:

• The surface web. If the internet is an iceberg, the surface web is only the part that sticks out of the water. This public part of the internet is just a fraction of the entire thing.
• The deep web. The largest part of the internet by far, the deep web lies below the surface and consists of the content that you need special access to find.
• The dark web. The dark web is the bottom part of the iceberg that descends into the depths of the ocean. Its inaccessibility makes it difficult to measure, but it is likely a small portion of the internet.

Accessibility

Each part of the internet also differs in accessibility:

• The surface web. This public part of the internet can easily be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.
• The deep web. This part of the internet requires special access, such as a private account login or a private link shared with the user.
• The dark web. Only users with an anonymous browser can access the dark web.

Risks of Accessing the Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web

No matter if you’re on the surface web, deep web, or dark web, there are risks associated with getting online. Threats include malware, ransomware, data breaches, and phishing scams.

How to Help Keep Your Information Safe Online

Criminals may target your personal information to commit fraud, identity theft and other scams.

Here are some tips to help keep your information safe:

• Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts for an additional level of security.
• Use virtual private networks (VPNs) and anti-virus software to maintain privacy, anonymity and security online.
• Avoid clicking links, downloading attachments, and taking other actions on information received from unverified sources.
• Never give out your personal information online or share personal details on social media.

Bottom Line

No matter where you find yourself online, it’s important to take steps to help protect yourself and your personal information. To help keep you safe, IdentityIQ provides identity protection and credit monitoring services, including dark web scans that look for your personal information across thousands of sites on the dark web.

Deep Web vs. Dark Web FAQs

Is the deep web safer than the dark web?

The deep web may be safer than the dark web because it is harder for criminals to gain unauthorized access. However, the deep web is a popular target for criminals because of the valuable information it contains.

Can law enforcement track the dark web?

Law enforcement does track the dark web to look for criminal activity.

Which is bigger, the dark web or the deep web?

The deep web makes up the majority of the internet by a large margin.

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 theft protection is an important employee benefit.

What Is Employee Identity Theft Protection?

Employee identity theft protection is an employer benefit offered to workers, through a third-party provider, to help keep them safe from fraud and identity theft.

Identity theft protection providers can offer tools including credit report monitoring, fraud alerts, antivirus software and virtual private networks (VPNs), dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance, and identity restoration services.

How Identity Theft Protection Benefits Employers

Disengaged employees cost companies more than $500 billion a year, according to a Gallup report. Identity theft protection can help prevent employees from becoming disengaged while dealing with the struggles of identity theft. They can focus on their work without worrying about fraud and quickly recover if they ever do become victims.

Offering additional benefits boosts a company’s reputation, which is vital for its future success. Other benefits to employers include:

• Better security: providing employees with tools that help them recognize and practice good data habits can help them support workplace security.
• Talent retention: offering technology and benefits that improve employees’ lives helps employers attract and retain talent.

Benefits Employees Want

Millennials expect generous employee benefits and are more likely to leave an employer than previous generations. By 2025, millennials will make up approximately 75% of the workforce. According to Consumer Affairs, there was a 311% increase in identity theft victims between 2019 and 2020, which demonstrates the value of identity theft protection for employees.

How Does Identity Theft Protection Work?

Identity theft protection monitors many aspects of a consumer’s identity. It uses technology to scan various sources, including credit reports, public records, and online databases, for signs of identity theft. Members receive real-time alerts so they’re always aware of any changes that occur.

Identity theft protection companies often offer many additional security tools and benefits to ensure that members are informed about their credit and have resources to help them if their identity is stolen.

What are the Benefits of Identity Theft Protection?

Identity theft protection provides security tools that keep consumers safe from identity theft and digital threats. It provides peace of mind that someone is watching out for the user’s identity and can help them recover from fraud. Here are some of the major benefits of identity theft protection with IdentityIQ:

• Identity theft monitoring: IdentityIQ identity theft protection services can monitor the use of the employee’s Social Security Number (SSN), activity on their credit report, bank account and credit card activity, and national databases to look for signs of fraud.
• Credit monitoring: daily credit monitoring provides oversight of the member’s credit reports and alerts them whenever something changes. They can also receive regular copies of their credit reports and credit scores.
• Identity theft insurance: these policies cover out-of-pocket expenses and losses that occur as the result of identity theft (IdentityIQ covers up to $1 million in losses).
• Identity restoration: identity restoration experts can help victims create a recovery plan and save time and money by navigating the process of resolving identity theft issues.
• Digital protection tools: many identity protection providers offer technology, including antivirus software and VPNs, to keep members safe and secure from digital threats and cybercriminals.
• Dark web monitoring: IdentityIQ continuously scans the dark web for a user’s personally identifiable information (PII). Whenever PII is found, the user is alerted so they can take steps to protect themselves.
• Family protection: IdentityIQ offers a family plan that extends identity protection benefits to the entire family, along with parental controls like screen-time monitoring and online activity trackers. Plus, children of the primary member are covered for up to $25,000 in identity theft losses.

Why Employees Need Identity Theft Protection

Identity theft can severely damage the victim’s credit, which can affect them in the following ways:

• Limits their ability to qualify for the financial products they want, including home loans, car loans, and credit cards. Some landlords and employers run credit checks on their prospective tenants and employees, as well.
• Causes them to pay higher interest rates. Borrowers with lower credit scores may pay thousands of dollars more over time due to higher interest.
• Causes them to pay more for insurance in states that allow insurers to consider credit history when setting premiums.

Identity theft can also cost the employee time, money, and their emotional well-being as they deal with restoring their identity. Certain types of identity theft may even create legal problems or poor health outcomes for the victim.

Identity theft protection can help prevent or mitigate the negative consequences of fraud. It can give employees visibility into the state of their credit for better financial decision-making. And it helps them identify signs of identity theft so they can react quickly.

How Can Employers Provide Identity Theft Protection?

Employers can partner with IdentityIQ to bring identity theft protection to their workers. IdentityIQ can help match the employer with the identity protection plan that best meets their employees’ needs. Employers receive support on plan administration and guidance on how to roll out the benefits to their employees.

IdentityIQ industry-leading identity theft protection and credit monitoring is a valuable benefit that can promote financial security and economic stability for every person on your payroll.

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 VPN is a service that keeps your internet connection and identity anonymous, helping you maintain privacy. It creates a digital tunnel that connects you with the internet so outside parties can’t see who you are or what you do while you’re online.

How Do VPNs Work?

When you use a VPN to get online, it encrypts your web traffic and routes it through a remote server that belongs to the VPN provider. Your web activity appears to come from the VPN provider’s server and not your own IP address, effectively masking your location. In addition, your data is encrypted and hidden from outside parties that want to access it.

5 Reasons Why You Should Use a VPN

1. Privacy and Anonymity from Third Parties

When you don’t use a VPN, your IP address can be captured and used to trace your location and track your online activity. But a VPN replaces your IP address with an IP address in another location, masking your location. Your online activity is also encrypted so that third parties including internet service providers (ISPs), websites, advertisers, criminals, and government agencies can’t view it.

2. Access Geo-Restricted Content

The content that you can access online depends on the licensing restrictions and censorship laws in the country or local area you’re connecting to the internet from. But VPNs can make your IP address appear anywhere that the VPN provider maintains a server. This can help you bypass local restrictions to access entertainment that is available outside of your country, view sports programming that is blacked out in your local market, and even bypass censorship laws.

3. Avoid Bandwidth Throttling

Internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes intentionally slow down their users’ traffic to conserve resources, enforce data caps for their internet plans, and more. This can result in buffering videos, slow download speeds, and other internet speed problems. You can use a VPN to hide the amount of resources you are consuming and reduce the likelihood that your bandwidth is throttled.

4. Security and Protection at Any Location

You can use a VPN to get protection across multiple devices, from your home PC to your mobile devices, and that security extends to you no matter where you are. You gain full online privacy and anonymity at any location you use to access the internet.

5. Safe Access to Public Wi-Fi

Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks is risky because anyone can access them, and criminals may be able to capture your personal data. VPNs make public Wi-Fi networks secure, even when you connect to an unsecured network, because your online activity is still encrypted and hidden from view.

Should You Leave Your VPN On All the Time?

Leaving your VPN on all the time offers you maximum protection in several ways:

• Your data is always encrypted and hidden from outside parties.
• Your location and IP stays hidden from outside parties.
• Your browsing history is encrypted and hidden, even from your ISP provider.

It’s a good idea to leave your VPN on at all times because your data and privacy is always worth protecting, no matter where you are or what you’re doing online. VPNs offer valuable security, privacy, and protection benefits, but they only work if they’re activated. When you turn it off, you automatically lose that protection.

When Should You Turn Off Your VPN?

There’s no definitive answer on whether you should turn off your VPN, as it depends on your specific needs and circumstances. But there may be certain times when you need to turn it off:

• VPNs can sometimes reduce your internet speed because they require additional resources as they route your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and a remote server. You may not notice the difference for most online tasks, but you may notice a dip in internet speed when performing resource-heavy activities like gaming or downloading large files. If that happens, you may be able to increase internet speed by turning off your VPN.
• VPNs may drain your device’s battery faster. Whether this actually happens depends on the device you’re on and the VPN provider you’re using.

So, while you should leave your VPN on as much as possible to gain the security benefits it provides, there are certain times when you may need to turn it off. Just remember that if you turn it off, you automatically lose the privacy and data encryption your VPN provides until you turn it back on.

Bottom Line

Using a VPN can help keep you safe online with encryption, data privacy, and ISP protection. It also offers access to geo-restricted content, protection against bandwidth throttling, and secure connections on public Wi-Fi networks. While it’s generally a good idea to always keep your VPN enabled, there may be times when you need to turn it off. Ultimately, you need to strike a balance between security and convenience and make decisions based on your specific needs.

IdentityIQ identity protection and credit monitoring plans can include Bitdefender® Total Security with Premium VPN and anti-virus software for up to 10 devices. You gain access to a premium VPN service and the following benefits:

• Copies of your credit reports and credit scores.
• Up to $1 million of identity theft insurance coverage underwritten by AIG.
• Credit monitoring with all three credit bureaus: Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion®.
• Access to a team of identity restoration experts
• Complete device security and identity protection.

Sign up for an IdentityIQ identity theft protection plan today to gain comprehensive protection of your identity. You gain peace of mind and protection in every stage of your financial life.

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 protect your credit report from identity theft. It’s important to understand how both work so you know the best way to protect yourself.

What Is a Credit Card Lock?

Credit card locks offer a way to “turn off” your card so it can’t be used by anyone. The idea is that if you misplace a card, you can lock it to prevent fraudulent charges until you are able to locate it.

When you find your card, you can unlock it without having to contact your card issuer.

While you generally aren’t liable for fraudulent credit card charges, locking a card can help reduce hassle later by removing the need to report unauthorized transactions. And if you misplaced a card and you’re likely to find it later, you can avoid having to replace your card and updating your payment information for all your accounts.

When you lock your card, new transactions and cash advances won’t go through. But recurring autopayments, such as subscriptions and monthly bills, will continue to be charged to your account. Fees, returns, credits, and interest will also function as normal.

How to Lock Your Credit Card

To initiate a lock or unlock your card, you need to use your card issuer’s mobile app or log in to your online account.

When Should You Lock Your Credit Card?

You should lock your card when it’s misplaced to ensure no one can use it while you look for it. This can help you avoid replacing your card if you believe you’ll find it soon. You may also want to lock a card that you still have but rarely use, or when you’re going on vacation someplace where you can’t use your card for a while. You could even prevent a secondary cardholder (or yourself) from making purchases.

Remember, locking a credit card is not an effective replacement for reporting it lost or stolen. If you truly can’t find your card or you believe it was stolen, you need to report your card missing to your card issuer and get a replacement card as soon as possible. In addition, you should check your credit card statement and report unauthorized transactions to the credit card company. This is a more permanent solution to help protect your account.

Can I Still Use a Locked Credit Card?

Locked credit cards continue to automatically process recurring autopayments. To use your credit card for everyday purchases, you need to unlock the credit card first.

Which Issuers Offer Credit Card Locks?

Many credit card issuers offer credit card locks, including American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover, and Wells Fargo. When shopping around for a new credit card, make sure to review the available security features.

Is a Credit Card Lock the Same as a Credit Freeze?

No. A credit card lock is a security feature that prevents use of your credit card. With a credit freeze, you prevent unauthorized parties from viewing your credit report.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

Credit freezes block access to your credit report so lenders and other companies cannot view it until you lift the freeze. If someone obtains your information and tries to open a line of credit or loan in your name, the creditor processing the application is unable to view your credit file and then rejects the application. It is an additional layer of security that helps prevent unauthorized access to your credit report, effectively stopping common forms of identity theft.

It is federally mandated that credit freezes be free for all American consumers. This decision was made to combat the rising levels of fraud and identity theft over recent years.

How to Freeze Your Credit

To freeze your credit file with all three major credit bureaus – Equifax^®, Experian^® and TransUnion^® – you must contact each one individually and make the request online, by phone or by mail. It’s important to do this for every single credit bureau so that all your credit reports are protected.

You need to verify your personal information to prove your identity, including:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Address

Once you’ve proven your identity and put the freeze in place, your credit file is not available to lenders unless you lift the freeze. You receive a PIN that allows you to temporarily or permanently lift the freeze to open new credit accounts as needed.

When Should You Freeze Your Credit?

A credit freeze is a highly effective way of protecting your credit file from fraud. If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, you should immediately freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus to prevent further fraud from occurring.

But you don’t have to wait to become a victim to freeze your credit – anyone can freeze their credit reports at any time to proactively prevent fraud. If you do this, you just need to unfreeze your credit report whenever you submit a legitimate application for credit.

Bottom Line

Credit card locks and credit card freezes are valuable tools in the fight against credit card fraud and identity theft. But IdentityIQ identity theft protection takes it one step further, monitoring your identity for signs of fraud and warning you when changes land on your credit report.

FAQs

Do card locks work for debit cards, too?

Yes, many banks allow you to lock your debit card.

Are there still times you should cancel your card?

Yes. If you know your card is stolen or has been permanently lost, you should immediately cancel your card and order a replacement to help protect your account.

Does locking a credit card affect your credit score?

No, locking your credit card does not affect your credit score.

Does freezing your credit affect your credit score?

Freezing your credit does not directly impact your credit score. It may prevent fraudulent activity from appearing on your credit report, which helps protect your credit score from the negative effects of identity theft.