Investing is a great way to put your money to work and generate passive income. However, lucrative investing opportunities come with risks, and it’s important to be cautious. Legitimate investing is risky by nature, but investors also have to face the additional threat of investment fraud. This comprehensive guide walks you through how to help protect yourself from investment fraud so you can invest with confidence and safely secure your financial future.

How to Help Avoid Investment Fraud

Research the Investment

Before diving into any investment, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the opportunity. Don’t solely rely on what the seller tells you; instead, take the time to investigate the company, the product or service they offer, and the investment itself. Check if the investment is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC or your state securities regulator are trustworthy sources for the research process.

Check the Seller’s Credentials

Ensuring the legitimacy of the person selling you an investment is essential every time you invest. Legitimate financial professionals understand the importance of transparency and should have no issue with you verifying their credentials. Take time to review the seller’s background, exploring their qualifications, experience, and track record.

Researching the seller’s history is a proactive measure that significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to investment fraud. Use reputable resources such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), BrokerCheck, or your state securities regulator. These platforms provide valuable insights into the seller’s licensing status, any past disciplinary actions, and their overall professional background.

Beware of Red Flags

Knowing the red flags to look for is crucial in helping protect yourself from investment fraud. Be skeptical of urgent pressure to invest and unrealistic promises like guaranteed high returns. If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, exercise caution – it probably is.

Stay vigilant against high-pressure tactics, especially those creating a fear of missing out. Investment fraud and other scams often rely on creating a sense of urgency to scare people into making hasty decisions. A legitimate investment opportunity gives you the proper time and information to make an informed and responsible decision.

Get Everything in Writing

Before committing to any investment, ensure you have all the details in writing. This includes a comprehensive breakdown of the risks involved, associated fees, and the process for withdrawing your funds. Legitimate investment opportunities are transparent about the terms and conditions and will willingly document everything for your security against potential disputes.

Consider it a red flag if a seller hesitates or avoids providing written documentation. Reputable professionals are transparent and  provide you with the necessary information. Having a clear, written record helps protect your interests and helps you make well-informed decisions.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Your comfort and confidence in an investment matter. It’s perfectly okay to say no if you feel uncertain or pressured. Never let anyone coerce you into investing before you’re ready or without having all your questions answered.

Trust your instincts and take the time you need to make an informed decision. If a seller pushes too hard or creates a sense of urgency, it’s a clear signal to step back. Legitimate investment opportunities respect your autonomy and give you the necessary time to evaluate and decide.

Bottom Line

In the world of investments, caution is key. By researching, checking credentials, and watching out for warning signs, you can help protect yourself from investment fraud.

But it doesn’t stop there. In today’s digital age, it’s essential to go the extra mile to help protect yourself. IdentityIQ offers robust identity theft protection services to help keep your finances and personal information safe. Valuable tools like 24/7 credit report monitoring with real-time alerts, identity theft insurance of up to $1 million underwritten by AIG, and antivirus and VPN software help provide the peace of mind you need to invest and pursue financial freedom.

Voter fraud threatens the safety of our personal information and the essence of fair and transparent elections. As a voter, it is imperative to understand and actively address this challenge to help protect your personal information from identity theft and to help maintain the integrity of elections. This practical guide offers key insights and actionable tips on how to help protect your identity, so you don’t become a victim of voter fraud.

What is Voter Fraud?

Voter fraud refers to illegal activities that manipulate the voting process to compromise the outcome and integrity of an election. This takes many forms to damage the fairness and accuracy of the electoral system. Recognizing these forms is critical to understanding how to avoid voter fraud. These can range from identity theft to illegal voting procedures.

Voter fraud may involve casting multiple votes, voting under false identities, or manipulating registration information. This threatens the electoral process and erodes public trust in the electoral system.

Tips to Help You Avoid Identity Theft and Voter Fraud

1. Register Legally

Ensuring that you are registered to vote in your jurisdiction is the fundamental first step. Legally register with accurate and up-to-date personal information. Familiarize yourself with your local official voter registration process and adhere to voting guidelines.

Start by verifying your eligibility to vote based on your residency and citizenship status. Most jurisdictions require individuals to be U.S. citizens and residents of the state and county where they plan to vote. Once you confirm your eligibility, gather the necessary documentation to complete the registration process, such as proof of identity and residence.

If available, you can use online voter registration systems as a more convenient and streamlined alternative to registering in person. Pay close attention to the information you provide, confirming its accuracy to prevent any discrepancies that might affect your registration status.

2. Verify Voter Registration

Regularly confirming the accuracy of your voter information is crucial in avoiding voter fraud. By routinely verifying your voter registration, you can identify warning signs of identity theft, contributing to a transparent and fair election.

Start by accessing official voter registration portals. These platforms often allow you to review and update your registration details. Verify that your personal information, such as your name, address, and party affiliation, is correctly recorded. Address any discrepancies or changes as soon as you can to make corrections before they impact your ability to vote.

You also can reach out to your local election office for assistance. They can provide guidance on verifying your registration status and offer support in resolving any issues that may arise.

3. Protect Personal Information

Safeguarding your personal information is the core of preventing voter fraud. It’s crucial to vigilantly protect sensitive details, such as your Social Security number and date of birth. These pieces of information are key components of your identity and can be abused if they fall into the wrong hands. Be cautious online and offline when sharing personal information. Be mindful of phishing attempts, and avoid providing sensitive details to unverified sources.

Use secure websites and be wary of sharing information on public platforms. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks without also protecting your data by using a virtual private network (VPN). IdentityIQ can help add an extra layer of security by monitoring your personal information 24/7 across the internet, the dark web, and your credit reports. If IdentityIQ finds suspicious activity, you are notified in real time, giving you the opportunity to take swift action to protect your personal information.

Consider setting habits for secure data management, like regular password updates and enabling two-factor authentication. By adopting these measures, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your personal information.

4. Use Secure Voting Methods

Ensuring the security of your vote involves choosing secure and verified voting methods. Whether voting in person at an official polling location or opting for mail-in or absentee voting, adhering to guidelines provided by election authorities is crucial.

When voting in person, visit designated polling places recognized by election officials. These locations are equipped with the necessary security measures to protect the voting process. Familiarize yourself with the voting procedures specific to your jurisdiction to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience.

If you opt for mail-in or absentee voting, only use verified and official channels. Follow the prescribed procedures for requesting, completing, and submitting your ballot. Be aware of deadlines and any additional requirements to ensure your vote is counted.

5. Stay Informed

Staying informed about election-related updates is key to avoiding voter fraud. Seek out up-to-date information regarding changes in voting procedures, deadlines, and other relevant details to ensure you are well-prepared for every election.

Look to official sources for accurate and up-to-date information, avoiding unverified sources. Government websites, official announcements from election authorities, and reputable news outlets are reliable channels for trustworthy information. Avoid spreading unverified information and be critical of sources that lack credibility.

Subscribe to official newsletters or notifications from your local election office to receive timely updates. Many election authorities also provide online resources and FAQs to address common concerns and keep voters informed.

Bottom Line

Actively helping prevent identity theft and voter fraud is key for any voter. You can help to avoid voter fraud by legally registering and verifying voter information, protecting personal information through secure data management, voting through secure channels with accurate information, and staying informed on relevant voting updates.

IdentityIQ serves as a valuable addition to these efforts by monitoring your personal information around the clock. With real-time alerts and other features, such as advanced VPN and antivirus software, identity theft insurance of up to $1 million underwritten by AIG, and family protection, IdentityIQ provides a robust and active defense against potential threats to your identity, such as voter fraud and more.

The traditional method of safeguarding our accounts with passwords is facing growing challenges. As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by hackers, making passwords both inconvenient and increasingly susceptible to breaches.

You may have heard that passkeys are an emerging method to secure our accounts and devices in the digital age. But what is a passkey? Here, we explain what a passkey is, how it works, and why they are emerging as a compelling alternative to the traditional password.

What is a Passkey?

A passkey is a new method of signing into online accounts that offers more security than a traditional password or passcode. Passkeys use biometric verification to confirm your identity and unlock your account or device. This delivers quicker logins and easier use while helping to prevent any unauthorized users from accessing your information.

Passkeys are still in their early stages of adoption but are becoming more prominent in everyday life. For example, many smartphones have already implemented passkey technology and have begun to transition away from traditional alphanumeric passwords. iPhone users have benefited from passkey technology for years through their devices’ face and fingerprint scan features.

A passkey uses your biometrics to determine if you are authorized to access your devices or online accounts, eliminating the struggle of remembering complex passwords. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and delivers unmatched convenience.

How Does a Passkey Work?

When you create a passkey for a website or app, your device generates a unique pair of cryptographic keys: A public key that’s shared with the website or app and a private key that’s stored securely on your device and never leaves it. These keys are mathematically linked, but it’s nearly impossible to determine the private key from the public key.

Your device sends the public key to the website or app, along with a unique identifier for your device, such as a credential ID. The website stores this public key and associates it with your account, but it never receives or stores your private key.

When you want to log in to the website or app, it sends a challenge to your device. Your device uses its private key to generate a unique cryptographic signature based on the challenge. This signature is sent back to the website, along with the credential ID. The website verifies the signature using the public key it has stored. If the signature matches, it confirms your identity and grants you access.

In essence, passkeys replace the traditional password exchange with a more secure, cryptographic handshake between your device and the website. This public-key approach makes it much more difficult for hackers to steal or compromise your credentials, even in the event of phishing attacks or website breaches.

Passkey vs. Password – What’s the Difference?

Passkeys are a modern alternative to passwords. The main difference between a passkey and a password boils down to how they authenticate your identity and the level of security they offer.

Passkeys and passwords have different authentication methods. With passwords, you remember and manually enter a secret string of characters. With passkeys, you use your biometric information – like a fingerprint or face scan – or a personal identification number (PIN)/pattern stored on your device.

Passwords are more vulnerable to phishing attacks, data breaches, and other hacks that target weak credentials. Hackers can also trick you into revealing your password on a fake website. On the other hand, passkeys are more secure than passwords because of their public-key cryptography technology, which creates a unique cryptographic signature that cannot be easily stolen. Passkeys are also stored locally on their devices, rather than a cloud-based storage approach like the iCloud keychain. This makes it more difficult for hackers to obtain.

Passkeys also offer convenience that passwords simply cannot compete with. The struggle to maintain strong passwords is almost paradoxical. It is best to routinely update passwords, using a random mix of numbers, letters, and symbols without any recognizable pattern. However, a strong password that meets all these criteria is too complex to remember, and writing it down, physically or digitally, is too risky. While password managers offer a solution to this, the convenience of passkeys eliminates this struggle in a more secure way.

The cryptographic technology of passkeys offers strong safety improvements from passwords, such as:

• Keeping private information private. The website never receives or stores your private key, preventing it from being compromised in a data breach.
• Stronger Authentication. The signature generated by your private key can only be created by your device, ensuring only you can authenticate.
• Phishing Prevention. Even if you’re tricked into visiting a fake website, your passkey won’t work because the fake site won’t have the correct public key to verify the signature.

Bottom Line

Passkeys are ushering in a new era of online security and convenience. By leveraging public-key cryptography and your unique biometrics, they eliminate the weaknesses and frustrations of traditional passwords. While still in their early stages of adoption, their superior security, enhanced usability, and phishing resistance make them a clear upgrade for the future of online authentication.

From smartphones to websites, the seamless and secure login experience offered by passkeys promises to revolutionize the way we access our digital lives. As this technology continues to evolve and gain wider adoption, we can expect a safer and more user-friendly online environment for everyone.

Another important way to help keep your information secure is IdentityIQ identity theft protection. IdentityIQ services track and monitor your personal information and alert you to possible suspicious activity. A passkey can be a step in helping secure your digital identity, and IdentityIQ identity monitoring can help provide complete protection.

Every click, search, and interaction online contributes to your digital footprint – an intricate trail of data that encapsulates your digital identity. While the digital landscape offers unprecedented convenience and connectivity, it also presents many risks. From the potential threat of identity theft to the impact on professional and personal reputations, protecting our digital footprints has never been more essential. This guide explores how to help protect your digital footprint, unpacks its significance, and delves into ways to proactively secure and manage it.

What Is a Digital Footprint?

Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet and digital devices. It describes the sum of your online activities, from social media interactions to website visits and online transactions. This provides a glimpse into your online identity and can include personal information, search engine queries, and shared content. It’s the mark you leave in the digital landscape, reflecting how you navigate and engage with the online world.

Understanding the significance of your digital footprint is crucial in taking proactive steps to safeguard your sensitive information and protect your digital presence. Protecting your digital footprint can help you keep your personal information and online activities private, which can be important for helping prevent identity theft, avoid targeted advertising, and maintain control over your online reputation.

6 Ways to Help Protect Your Digital Footprint

1. Be Mindful of Your Online Accounts

Your online accounts are key access points to your digital identity. It’s essential to adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding them. Begin by cleaning up old accounts. Close or delete outdated email addresses, social media accounts, and online services you no longer use. Dormant accounts make you more vulnerable to potential hacks, exposing your personal information.

Strengthen your defenses by creating unique and complex passwords for each account. Consider employing a password manager to organize and track them securely. Whenever possible, it is best to add an extra layer of protection by enabling two-factor authentication. This creates an extra security buffer if your password is compromised.

Regularly reviewing and adjusting privacy settings is another crucial aspect of account mindfulness. Check the privacy configurations on your social media accounts and online services, tailoring them to limit publicly visible information. Be discerning about the permissions granted to apps and websites. This proactive approach helps ensure you have greater control over who accesses your personal data, reducing the risk of unauthorized exposure.

2. Think Before You Share

Always consider the potential consequences of any online activity. Avoid divulging personal information such as your address, phone number, or geo-location on social media or public forums. Be cautious about sharing photos and videos that could unveil too much about your life, providing potential access points for identity thieves and those with malicious intent.

Be discerning about who you connect with and the information you share with them, especially when dealing with strangers or acquaintances. Anonymity can be an ally in certain online activities. Consider using pseudonyms in forums or comment sections where it’s best to preserve your identity.

3. Secure Your Devices

To help secure your digital footprint, you must secure the devices you use to access the internet. Regularly updating your operating systems, browsers, and applications is critical. These updates often include essential security patches that address vulnerabilities, helping to defend you against potential exploits by hackers.

Be extra cautious if you choose to use public Wi-Fi, especially for sensitive activities like online banking or entering personal information. If you find it necessary to use public Wi-Fi, it is always best to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection, enhancing your data’s confidentiality.

Installing and regularly updating reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software are essential in defending against malicious software. IdentityIQ identity theft protection services  offer anti-virus and anti-malware solutions, providing an additional layer of protection for your devices. These measures create a robust defense system, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential compromise of your sensitive data.

4. Control Your Data Trail

Be mindful of the trail of data you leave behind in order to take charge of your online presence. Many websites and services allow you to opt out of their data collection procedures. Read privacy policies carefully and exercise your right to control your data where possible. You can limit the use of cookies and trackers that follow your online activity across websites through browser extensions or privacy settings.

Data brokers can contribute significantly to your digital footprint by aggregating and selling personal information. Consider using services that help you remove your personal information from data broker websites, empowering you to reclaim control over your online identity. This proactive stance enhances your privacy and reduces the likelihood of your data being exploited.

5. Stay Educated

Digital security is constantly evolving, and staying informed is your first line of defense. Keeping up with digital security news through sources such as IdentityIQ blogs helps ensure you are aware of current online threats and best security practices. Regularly educating yourself empowers you to adapt to emerging challenges and reinforces your ability to protect your digital footprint.

Being skeptical of online scams is another critical aspect of staying educated. Phishing emails, social media scams, and various online schemes target those who are overly trusting of online sources. A healthy dose of skepticism can help you become more proficient at recognizing and avoiding these potential threats.

Periodically reviewing your digital footprint helps you proactively stay educated. By reviewing your online presence, adjusting settings, and ensuring privacy controls, you actively contribute to the ongoing protection of your digital identity.

6. Monitor Your Identity

Monitoring your identity is a proactive approach to securing your digital footprint. IdentityIQ offers identity theft protection services to provide comprehensive defense against potential threats. IdentityIQ monitors your credit reports and the internet and dark web around the clock, notifying you of possible suspicious activities in real time. This empowers you to take swift action against any identity-related concerns. IdentityIQ also provides reassurance for you and your family with identity theft insurance policies of up to $1 million, underwritten by AIG, to help protect you if your identity is stolen.

In a digital landscape where identity theft is an ever-present concern, having a dedicated service to monitor your identity adds an extra layer of security. IdentityIQ identity theft protection services help you gain peace of mind, knowing that your digital identity is actively protected against potential threats.

Bottom Line

In the online world, helping protect your digital footprint is not just a matter of personal privacy but a crucial defense against potential cyber threats. A conscientious approach to protecting your online identity involves a combination of mindful practices, staying informed, and leveraging advanced security solutions. Protecting your digital footprint not only help reduce the risk of identity theft, phishing attacks, and privacy breaches but also contributes to a safer online environment for all.

IdentityIQ gives you a comprehensive approach to online safety, helping protect you from various approaches cybercriminals use to try to steal your identity. With identity theft protection services offering real-time monitoring, advanced security measures, and more, IdentityIQ plans provides unmatched peace of mind.

As the New Year continues to roll out, many of us have financial New Year’s resolutions that aim to seek the next level of financial strength. There’s a transformative tool that can help meet these goals that many are unaware of – utility payment reporting. Beyond traditional credit reporting, this method offers another avenue to improve your credit health without much additional effort.

Here, we explore the intricacies of utility payment reporting and discover how it can help you meet your financial goals. This guide answers common questions and unpacks how utility payment reporting can help you meet your New Year financial goals.

What is Utility Payment Reporting?

Utility payment reporting allows you to have utility bill payments included in your credit reports, offering more evidence of your financial responsibility. Traditional credit reporting primarily considers factors like credit card payments and loans, leaving out your consistent monthly payments for essential services like electricity, water, and gas. However, integrating utility payments into credit reports sheds light on your reliability in paying for everyday necessities on top of traditional credit obligations.

3 Ways Utility Payment Reporting Can Help You Meet Your New Year Financial Goals

Potential Credit Score Improvement

With utility payment reporting, paying your utility bills on time can play a crucial role in elevating your creditworthiness. Lenders and credit bureaus look to your payment history as an indicator of your financial responsibility, making it a significant factor in your credit score.

Including utility payments in your credit report offers a more comprehensive representation of your spending habits, allowing your timely utility payments to show off your financial discipline to credit bureaus and lenders, which can be factored into your credit score. It showcases your ability to manage credit and your commitment to meeting essential, non-credit obligations.

Establish Credit History

Utility payment reporting is an excellent tool for those with little to no credit history. Unlike other methods, such as credit-building loans, utility payment reporting adds to your credit history without causing you to take on extra payments. This helps you establish your credit history without putting additional financial pressure on yourself.

The inclusivity of utility payment reporting in credit assessments helps you reap the benefits of the payments you have already been consistently making. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to establish a credit history, such as young adults, newcomers to the credit system, or those who prefer using cash over credit cards.

Utility payment reporting can help you build a more comprehensive credit history. This opens doors to a broader range of financial opportunities as lenders gain insights into your responsible financial behavior beyond conventional credit criteria.

Show Financial Responsibility

Demonstrating financial responsibility is another critical aspect of managing your credit and overall financial health. Regular, on-time utility payments serve as a tangible indicator of your commitment to meeting financial obligations. Lenders view this as a positive sign of your financial responsibility, which helps determine your credit score.

Your ability to consistently pay utility bills on time showcases a level of financial discipline that extends beyond credit cards and loans. It demonstrates to lenders that you manage your finances responsibly across various aspects of daily life, signaling your ability to handle credit responsibly. This makes you more worthy of favorable loan terms or interest rates in the eyes of lenders.

Utility Payment Reporting FAQs

How can I report my utility bill payments?

Reporting your utility bill payments is a straightforward process that can positively impact your credit report. IdentityIQ services offer a convenient platform to add your timely utility payments to your credit reports.

To get started, you can sign up for IdentityIQ services and navigate to the designated section for utility payment reporting. Follow the provided instructions to link your utility accounts and begin reporting. This seamless integration showcases your consistent payment history for essential services, contributing to a more comprehensive credit assessment.

What happens if I make a late payment while I’m signed up for utility payment reporting?

The effect late utility payments have on your credit profile depends on your payment reporting platform. IdentityIQ only reports on-time utility bill payments. This means that if you make a late payment, IdentityIQ does not report it to the credit bureaus, leaving your credit score completely unaffected.

However, if you use a different payment reporting platform that does report late payments, it’s crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. Late payments, if reported, may adversely affect your credit score. Lenders typically view late payments as a sign of financial instability, potentially affecting your ability to secure favorable loan terms or interest rates.

Bottom Line

Utility payment reporting can be a potent strategy to enhance your credit health and financial well-being. You can showcase a more comprehensive financial profile by integrating utility payments into your credit reports. From elevating credit scores through timely payments to establishing credit history for those with limited credit backgrounds, utility payment reporting opens doors to a broader range of financial opportunities.

Reporting your timely utility payments with IdentityIQ is a straightforward process, contributing to a more comprehensive credit assessment without adding unnecessary effort or stress to your daily life. IdentityIQ only reports your on-time utility payments to credit bureaus to help improve your credit scores.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly reshaped many aspects of everyday life. As it continues to evolve and be normalized, criminals are finding creative new ways to wield AI as a weapon against our personal information and finances. The more aware you are of these tactics, the safer you can be from them. Here are three new AI scams to look out for in 2024 as well as some tips to help protect yourself and stay prepared for the explosive development of AI.

Deepfakes

Deepfakes are the core of all new AI scams to look out for in 2024. These are convincing AI-generated videos and audio created using a powerful technology called deep learning. Deep learning technology analyzes tons of existing images or audio of a target and then uses that knowledge to create new, artificial content. Deep fakes can swap faces, manipulate expressions, and even generate voices that sound exactly like someone else’s.

These sophisticated scams exploit our inherent trust in familiar faces and voices, making them dangerous tools for fake news, celebrity endorsements, and social engineering scams. They can be used to impersonate your friends, family members, or even financial institution representatives. Imagine receiving a video call from your “bank manager” urging you to share sensitive financial information.

Scammers can also leverage deepfakes to exploit your fears and vulnerabilities. A video featuring a tearful child could be used to solicit donations for a fabricated charity, while a deepfaked news report about an impending financial crisis could be used to pressure you into hasty financial decisions.

There are even emerging “deepfake marketplaces” on the dark web where scammers can illegally purchase custom-made deepfakes for targeted attacks. These carry out attacks like spreading misinformation or impersonating someone for financial gain.

AI-Powered Phishing

Scammers have begun leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to make phishing scams more convincing and impactful. AI-powered phishing attacks use real-time data mining to craft personalized messages, emails, and even live phone calls with familiar voices.

AI-powered phishing websites adapt to your browsing habits, displaying content relevant to your recent searches. This increased level of personalization makes it even harder to distinguish legitimate emails from deceptive ones.

Phishing scammers also can use deepfake technology to generate voices that sound eerily familiar, mirroring the voices of your family and colleagues. These “voice clones” can trick you into divulging sensitive information or performing financial transactions. Be cautious of unexpected phone calls, and never share personal information unless you can verify the caller’s identity through a trusted channel.

Robo-Scammers

Robo-scammers use automated technology (robocalls, robotexts, or other automated messaging systems) for all kinds of scams, such as impersonation scams, financial scams, debt collection scams, and tech support scams. Because their scams are automated, and deepfake technology allows them to pose as anyone, robo-scammers can reach millions of people simultaneously, making them incredibly lucrative for the scammers and potentially devastating for their victims.

Robo-scammers’ conversational scams can include pre-recorded messages, voice synthesis, and automated chatbots. They use these methods to impersonate legitimate institutions such as banks, debt collectors, tech support representatives, or even someone you know personally.

How to Stay Safe Against 2024 AI Scams:

As technology evolves, you must be more aware and skeptical of everything on the internet and even off the internet. Critical thinking is key; don’t trust everything you see, hear, or read online. Question the source, the urgency, and the emotional appeal of any online interaction.

General online security standards are also non-negotiable. Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and keep your software and devices up-to-date. Limit your online sharing, be cautious about permissions, and regularly review your privacy settings on any online platform.

Offline, be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls. If you receive a call from your bank with an agent asking for sensitive information, hang up and call your bank back directly. If you receive a call from a loved one from an unknown number asking for money or wanting you to do something with urgency, verify you’re actually talking to that person.

One good way to do this is to create a “family safe word” only your loved one would know, so you can ensure you are really speaking to them in the case of an emergency.

The Future of AI Scams and Countermeasures:

The battle against AI scams is ongoing. Security experts are continuing to develop AI-powered detection tools and countermeasures to keep up with the rapid advancement of AI. This development and responsible use of this technology are crucial to prevent its misuse for malicious purposes. AI has already left a permanent mark on culture and industry, and it will only continue to grow.

Rather than avoiding AI, the safest response to this growth is to seek to understand it so you can use it responsibly and identify when it is misused. Knowledge of AI and strong critical thinking skills are invaluable tools in defending yourself from AI scams.

Bottom Line:

As AI evolves, so do scam tactics, raising new online security challenges. The emergence of deepfakes poses a serious threat, exploiting our trust in familiar faces and voices for various malicious purposes. AI-powered phishing attacks have become more sophisticated, using real-time data mining to craft personalized and convincing messages while robo-scammers leverage automation and deepfake technology to impersonate legitimate entities on a massive scale. Safely avoiding these 2024 AI scams requires enhanced awareness, critical thinking, and general online security standards.

IdentityIQ offers comprehensive identity theft protection to help you protect your personal information and stay ahead of potential threats and scams. From 24/7 credit monitoring with real-time alerts to identity theft insurance of up to $1 million, underwritten by AIG, IdentityIQ helps to keep you protected around the clock.

If you gave or received a gift card this holiday season, you should be aware of gift card draining scams that can turn your gift into a disappointment. This article gives you an overview of how to safely enjoy gift cards and answers the burning question, “What is a gift card draining scam?”

What is Gift Card Draining?

A card draining scam, also known as gift card draining, is a tactic criminals use to steal the money loaded onto gift cards. Scammers scan the card number and PIN from an unpurchased gift card. Then, when an unsuspecting shopper buys that same card and loads money onto it, the scammer swiftly uses the stolen information to drain the funds, leaving the buyer with an empty card.

Top 3 Tips to Help Avoid Gift Card Draining Scams

Look for Signs of Tampering on the Gift Card

Before buying a gift card, inspect the packaging closely. Is it ripped, taped up, or tampered with in any way? Look for scuff marks or scratches around the PIN area, especially on cards where the PIN is hidden under a peel-away layer. Pristine packaging is a good sign that your gift card has not been tampered with. And it’s always a good idea to grab a gift card from the back of the stack, not the first one on top as it’s at higher risk of being tampered with.

Keep Your Receipt

Don’t toss your purchase receipt! It’s your proof of purchase and can help you get a refund if your gift card has been drained. This way, you can replace the gift card and have evidence of the exact dollar amount loaded onto the card.

Report Compromised Gift Cards

If you suspect your card has been drained, immediately contact the retailer or gift card issuer. Explain the situation and follow their instructions for reporting the issue. It is helpful for the retailer or card provider to be aware of the scam so they can work to prevent additional card drains in the future. Also, the sooner you act, the better your chance of recovering your funds and replacing the gift card.

How IdentityIQ Can Help

While vigilance is key, sometimes even the most cautious shoppers can fall victim to scams. That’s why it is always best to use a robust identity theft protection service. IdentityIQ offers a complete collection of resources for protection, prevention, and restoration. With features like 24/7 credit monitoring with real-time alerts, identity theft insurance of up to $1 million underwritten by AIG, full access to VPN and antivirus software on multiple devices, family protection plans, and more, IdentityIQ offers the best protection available.

Bottom Line

Gift cards should be a source of fun, not stress. Scammers are looking to take advantage of gift cards by making purchases with your money. However, awareness and a watchful eye can help you prevent becoming a victim of gift card draining scams. For extra protection from card draining scams, identity theft tactics, and more, create your IdentityIQ membership today. You can have confidence that your finances and personal information are well protected.

This past year has been an eye-opening year in the realm of digital security. Data breaches reached an all-time high, leaving a trail of identity theft cases. From corporate giants to public hospitals, cybercriminal activity has continued to snowball across several industries. This has left victims scrambling to understand the extent of the damage and how to help protect themselves against the evolving threat of identity theft.

Here, we review the largest data breaches of 2023, analyze the trends, and review proactive measures to navigate the future of security.

The Breach Landscape in 2023

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported that, in September, data breaches had already surpassed the previous record-high by 14%, with 733 total compromises affecting more than 66 million victims. As the year comes to an end, the total number of breaches is set to completely overshadow the previous annual high set in 2021.

The methods used by cybercriminals in 2023 varied with cyberattacks, physical attacks, and system errors targeting everything from critical infrastructure to manufacturing to healthcare databases. Businesses faced constant threats with phishing scams, malware, and other tactics. But the numbers alone tell only part of the story.

Behind the statistics, a disturbing trend emerged: data theft and extortion-only attacks rose sharply. Hackers shifted their focus from encrypting files and demanding ransoms to simply stealing sensitive information and threatening to expose it, leaving victims with the crippling choice of financial ruin or possible public humiliation. This signals a new era of cybercrime where private data becomes prized currency, putting every email address and credit card number at risk.

Major Breaches of 2023

• Casino operator attacks: Casino giants MGM and Caesars were hit by disruptive cyberattacks in September involving concerning tactics such as social engineering. But even more alarming was the reported collaboration behind the attacks: a teen hacker group called Scattered Spider allegedly partnered with the Russian ransomware gang Alphv. This alliance, with young Western hackers using ransomware provided by a notorious Eastern European group, expands the cybercrime landscape in worrying ways. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication and diversity of cyber threats, pushing the boundaries of existing security systems.
• Microsoft Cloud Email Breach: A major Microsoft cloud email breach affected U.S. government officials, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. Hackers accessed emails from the State Department and Commerce Department, potentially due to flaws in Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory security system. Senator Wyden and security experts criticized Microsoft’s practices, and an investigation is ongoing. Microsoft later revealed further vulnerabilities exploited by the China-linked “Storm-0558” group involving a stolen key stored from a 2021 system crash. This breach highlights concerns about security in cloud email systems and the potential for government officials’ communications to be compromised.
• Barracuda Email Security Gateway Attacks: A critical vulnerability in Barracuda’s Email Security Gateway was exploited by cybercriminals, potentially impacting 5% of devices. The attackers targeted government agencies, particularly in the United States. Barracuda strongly advised affected customers to replace their devices due to the severity of the exploit. This incident highlights the necessity of patching security vulnerabilities and replacing compromised equipment.

Consequences and Concerns

The record-breaking number of breaches this year has left the victims to navigate the financial and emotional damage of stolen credit cards, drained bank accounts, and shattered credit scores. But the ramifications extend far beyond individual suffering. Breaches cripple businesses, harming their reputations as well as their finances.

Protecting yourself from the damages of data breaches and identity theft is paramount. IdentityIQ identity theft protection offers top-of-the-line security through a complete suite of safety features, such as 24/7 credit monitoring and fraud alerts, identity theft insurance of up to $1 million underwritten by AIG, full access to a VPN and antivirus software on multiple devices, and more. IdentityIQ is a top choice for protecting you and your family.

Bottom Line

This past year hosted eye-opening data breaches and identity theft incidents. Rampant data breaches jeopardized personal and corporate security alike. The evolving tactics of cybercriminals, from ransomware to data theft and extortion, demonstrate the urgency of fortifying personal information. While the statistics paint a grim picture, proactive measures can still help to protect finances and private information. By prioritizing safety best practices such as regular software updates, exercising caution online, and employing a robust identity theft protection service, you can help be less susceptible to digital threats.

IdentityIQ comprehensive protection continues to become a preferred choice by those seeking safety for themselves and their families. With features to educate you on personal safety, services to help prevent identity theft and data breaches, and complete support to help you recover in the case of identity theft, IdentityIQ can help you remain safe and worry-free.

In today’s digital world, safeguarding your identity is paramount. With the ever-increasing threat of data breaches and identity theft, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your personal information and financial well-being. One powerful tool in your arsenal is credit monitoring. But how does credit monitoring protect you from identity theft?

This comprehensive service provides valuable insights into your credit history and alerts you to possible suspicious activity, empowering you to take swift action against potential threats. Whether you’re proactively guarding against identity theft or simply seeking to build financial confidence, credit monitoring can offer a safety net and peace of mind.

What is Credit Monitoring?

Credit monitoring is your around-the-clock guardian in the world of personal finance, constantly tracking your credit reports and scores and alerting you to potential problems. This keeps you informed about your creditworthiness, empowers you to make informed financial decisions, and plays a crucial role in safeguarding your identity.

Credit monitoring involves regularly checking your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These reports detail your credit history, including your payment history, credit utilization, and inquiries. Understanding the information in these reports gives you a comprehensive understanding of your financial health and creditworthiness.

Credit monitoring goes beyond simply presenting your credit reports. It analyzes the data and identifies suspicious activity, such as new inquiries you didn’t initiate, unauthorized account openings, or changes in your credit score. By receiving these timely alerts, you can take immediate action to protect your identity and prevent financial losses.

How Does Credit Monitoring Help Protect You From Identity Theft?

Early Detection of Suspicious Activities

With credit monitoring, your credit reports and scores are constantly being scanned for signs of potential identity theft. Credit monitoring services meticulously analyze your credit reports, searching for unusual patterns or red flags that might indicate unauthorized activity.

One of the vital ways credit monitoring protects you is by identifying early signs of malicious activity, such as new account openings. If a thief steals your information and uses it to open new credit cards or loans in your name, a credit monitoring system detects it and alerts you in real time. This early notification empowers you to take swift action, such as contacting the credit bureaus to dispute the fraudulent accounts and helping prevent further damage.

Credit monitoring goes beyond simply detecting new accounts. It also monitors changes in your existing credit lines, such as increased credit utilization or sudden changes in your credit score. These unexpected fluctuations can indicate identity theft and serve as a vital warning sign, prompting you to investigate further and take necessary precautions to help protect your financial well-being.

Real-Time Alerts

In the fight against identity theft, time is of the essence. Every minute wasted can allow thieves to do more damage to your financial life. This is where the power of real-time alerts shines through. Leading credit monitoring services such as IdentityIQ credit report monitoring services provide immediate notifications through various channels, helping ensure you stay informed and can act swiftly against potential threats.

Real-time notifications empower you to react immediately, allowing you to contact credit bureaus, creditors, and authorities to report suspicious activity and minimize potential damage.

IdentityIQ takes real-time alerts to the next level. Through the user-friendly mobile app, you can receive instant notifications, view detailed reports, and manage your account effortlessly. IdentityIQ also sends real-time alerts to your phone and email in the event of any suspicious activity. This constant access to critical information empowers you to stay ahead of potential threats and proactively protect your financial well-being.

Real-time alerts solidify credit monitoring as an essential security feature for anyone’s finances. Constant credit monitoring ensures you’re constantly informed and empowered to act quickly against any attempts to compromise your financial security.

What’s the Difference Between Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection Services?

While credit monitoring offers a valuable layer of protection, it’s only one piece of a holistic approach to identity theft protection. Credit monitoring helps to keep you informed and on top of your credit, as identity theft protection refers to the full-rounded approach to safety, built up of a variety of safety tools and techniques.

IdentityIQ identity theft protection plans offers leading identity theft protection services. With IdentityIQ, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of protection services, including 24/7 credit monitoring. This includes:

• Internet and dark web monitoring: IdentityIQ constantly scans the internet and dark web for traces of your personal information, helping ensure it remains out of reach of cybercriminals.
• VPN and antivirus software: Your devices stay protected with full access to a secure virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software.
•  Data breach notifications: Receive real-time alerts if your personal information is compromised in a data breach, allowing you to take necessary precautions.
• Identity theft insurance of up to $1 million: In the unfortunate event that you fall victim to identity theft, IdentityIQ provides insurance coverage, with reimbursement of up to $1 million, underwritten by AIG.

By choosing IdentityIQ, you and your family gain access to a robust and proactive approach to identity theft protection. It goes beyond simply monitoring your credit reports, actively safeguarding your online identity and equipping you with the tools and resources necessary to navigate the digital world with confidence and peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Credit Monitoring Service

Navigating the vast landscape of credit monitoring services can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s crucial to consider the key factors to find the perfect fit for your needs. Here are some important factors to take into account.

1. Coverage and Monitoring Frequency:

• Which credit bureaus does the service monitor? Aiming for coverage across all three major bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – provides the most comprehensive protection.
• How often are your credit reports and scores updated? Frequent updates ensure you stay informed about changes in real time.

2. Cost and Pricing Models:

• Compare pricing plans and features across different services. Choose a plan with a price that matches your budget and offers your desired level of protection.
• Look for introductory offers or discounts to maximize your savings.

3. Additional Features:

• Go beyond credit monitoring and consider identity theft protection services. Look for features such as dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance, and data breach notifications.
• Consider services that provide tools to help you improve your credit.
• Evaluate how easy it is to use the platform and how accessible its features are. Choose a service with a user-friendly interface and convenient mobile app access.

4. Trust and Reputation:

• Research the credit monitoring service’s reputation. Opt for companies with established track records and positive customer reviews.
• Look for services that comply with industry standards and offer data security safeguards.

IdentityIQ stands out as the leading identity theft protection option. With around-the-clock credit monitoring and alerts, robust identity theft protection features, and a user-friendly platform and mobile app, IdentityIQ members are empowered to take control of their financial security and enjoy peace of mind.

Bottom Line

In today’s digital world, safeguarding your identity and financial well-being is paramount. By embracing the power of credit monitoring and comprehensive identity theft protection services such as IdentityIQ, you can equip yourself with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of financial threats and build a secure future.

IdentityIQ goes beyond simply monitoring your credit reports. It actively helps safeguard your identity, provide real-time alerts, and empowers you to take swift action against potential threats. So, take the first step towards financial peace of mind and explore the comprehensive solutions offered by IdentityIQ. Protect your identity, build financial confidence, and unlock a future free of worry.

In today’s tech-driven world, QR (quick response) codes are everywhere. From facilitating contactless payments to accessing menus and websites, these quick response codes offer convenience and speed and are trusted by almost everyone. But how do you know what you’re getting with a QR code? Fake QR code scams have quickly become a massive issue. These fraudulent codes can wreak havoc on your life, stealing your personal information, infecting your devices with malware, and even leading to financial loss.

Here, we unwrap how to help avoid fake QR code scams to keep you and your private information safe.

What Are Fake QR Code Scams?

With the popularity of QR codes at an all-time high, scammers have begun to use them to perpetuate scams, creating QR codes through free online tools to mimic innocent ones.

By exploiting your trust in QR codes, scammers aim to access and exploit your personal data. They can sell your information on the black market, use it to commit identity theft, or even access your online accounts and steal your money. In addition, fake QR codes can download malware onto your device, compromising your privacy and security. This malware can steal your data, spy on your activity, or even hijack your device for malicious purposes.

Common Fake QR Code Scams

Fake QR codes can appear anywhere, so it’s critical to be vigilant. Here are some of the most common places to find fake QR code scams:

1. Contactless Payments:

These scams target places like parking meters, public transportation ticketing machines, and even vending machines. Fraudsters cover the original QR code with a sticker containing their own malicious code. When scanned, unsuspecting users may unknowingly pay the scammer and provide them with their contact info.

2. Restaurant Menus:

These scams often appear as “digital menus.” When scanned, they may redirect you to a phishing website that looks like the restaurant’s official website but is designed to steal your personal information, including credit card details.

3. Mail Shipments and Packaging:

These scams come in the form of flyers or brochures offering enticing rewards for completing surveys or entering contests. However, when you scan the QR code, it may lead you to a fake website designed to steal your personal information or download malware onto your device.

4. Fake QR Codes on Public Flyers:

Similar to the previous scam, these QR codes are often found on posters or flyers in public places. They may offer free Wi-Fi, coupons, or other tempting deals. However, scanning them may lead to phishing websites, malware infections, or unwanted subscriptions.

5. Fake QR Codes Sent in Phishing Emails:

These scams mimic legitimate emails from trusted companies or organizations. The phishing email may contain a message urging you to scan a QR code for more information or to access a special offer. If you scan the code, it may lead you to a counterfeit website designed to steal your login credentials or personal information.

How do Scammers Use Fake QR Codes?

1. Stealing Your Personal Information:

Fake QR codes can be used to redirect you to phishing websites that mimic legitimate ones, such as your bank’s website or social media accounts. Once you enter your login credentials on these fake websites, scammers can steal your personal information, including usernames, passwords, credit card details, and even your Social Security number.

2. Downloading Malware Onto Your Device:

When you scan a fake QR code, it can trigger the download of malware onto your device. This malware can be used to steal your data, spy on your activity, hijack your device, or even lock you out of your own files and demand a ransom.

3. Sending Spam and Phishing Emails from Your Device:

Some fake QR codes can give the scammer access to your email account, allowing them to send spam or phishing emails to your contacts. This can further spread the scam and harm others.

4. Following You on Social Media:

Fake QR codes can be used to follow you on social media platforms without your knowledge. This allows scammers to gather information about you and your contacts, which they can use for targeted phishing attacks or even blackmail.

How to Tell if a QR Code is Fake

With the growing prevalence of fake QR code scams, it’s crucial to be able to identify the warning signs of a scam code. Here are some things to look for and best practices to remember.

1. Tampering:

Be wary of any QR codes that appear tampered with, such as stickers placed over existing codes, peel marks, or other signs of alteration. These are red flags that the original code might have been replaced with a fake one.

2. Link Preview:

If your device allows link previewing when scanning QR codes, take advantage of it. This feature displays the destination URL before you open it. If the URL looks suspicious, contains typos, leads to an unfamiliar website, or uses an unsecured connection, don’t proceed.

3. Website Red Flags:

Once you reach the website associated with the QR code, be vigilant and browse safely. Look for red flags such as:

• Unsecured URL: Always check for the “https” at the beginning of the URL and the padlock symbol next to it. These indicate a secure connection.
• Typos and grammatical errors: Legitimate websites typically have professional content and avoid typos and grammatical errors.
• Low-resolution images: Low-quality images are often a sign of an unprofessional, hastily created website, which can be a scam.
• Unprofessional design: Be wary of websites with a poor layout, outdated design, or excessive pop-up ads.

4. Extra Caution for Public and Mail QR Codes:

QR codes in public spaces or attached to mailings deserve extra scrutiny. These are more vulnerable to tampering and replacement by scammers. It’s best to avoid scanning them unless absolutely necessary and always double-check their legitimacy before proceeding.

5. Use Built-in Scanner:

Only use your device’s built-in QR code scanner through your camera app. Avoid downloading third-party scanner apps as some may be fraudulent and contain malware.

Bottom Line

Fake QR codes pose a real danger, but they can be outwitted with awareness and caution. Be wary of tampered codes, unfamiliar websites, and suspicious content. Utilize your device’s native scanner and avoid third-party apps. Always double-check links before opening, and exercise extra caution with codes in public or attached to mailings. Remember, your vigilance is your best shield against these threats.

For the best protection, consider IdentityIQ identity theft protection and credit monitoring services. With IdentityIQ, you can have peace of mind knowing your personal information is safeguarded by a suite of features such as a built-in VPN and antivirus software, identity theft insurance of up to $1 million underwritten by AIG, and 24/7 credit monitoring, internet monitoring, and dark web monitoring with real-time alerts.