The Umbrella

The risk of identity theft looms larger than ever, so here is a simple checklist for how to detect identity theft. As technology advances, so do the tactics of those seeking unauthorized access to your personal information. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical steps to detect and prevent identity theft, empowering you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security. From cautious communication practices to vigilant bill monitoring, equip yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your identity effectively. Be sure to check out our other How to Guides for more tips and tactics for keeping yourself safe online.

1. Be cautious about answering calls, texts, social media messages or emails from unfamiliar numbers or individuals.
2. Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your bank account number, Social Security number or date of birth.
3. Keep personal information, including your Social Security card, in a secure location, avoiding carrying it in your wallet.
4. Regularly review your credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized or suspicious transactions and report them promptly.
5. Review all your bills for unexpected charges or unfamiliar items, as these could be indications of identity theft.
6. Track your bills and payment due dates. If you suddenly stop receiving bills, it could indicate a change in your billing address, which may be a sign of identity theft.
7. Obtain and review your credit reports regularly. Any accounts in your name that you don’t recognize might be a sign of identity theft. You can obtain your free credit reports to stay informed.
8. Retrieve your mail daily and consider putting it on hold when you’re away to prevent theft.
9. Understand the risks of using public Wi-Fi and only connect when it’s safe to do so.
10. Familiarize yourself with ATM skimming and take precautions to protect your information.

Understanding How Identity Theft Works

The methods employed by fraudsters to steal one’s identity are diverse, spanning various mediums such as face-to-face encounters, online platforms, social media, and telecommunication. It is useful to understand how identity theft works and the tactics that bad actors might use. Below are some common examples.

• Physical Theft: Absconding with your wallet or purse to acquire identification, credit cards, or bank cards.
• Phishing: Employing deceptive tactics, such as fraudulent emails, texts, or phone calls, to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information.
• Social Media Surveillance: Scrutinizing your social media accounts to extract identifying details from posts or photos. Alternatively, scammers may employ online quizzes and surveys to coax individuals into sharing personal information.
• Dumpster Diving: Rifling through your discarded items to uncover valuable information, such as bank statements or tax documents.
• Impersonation: Posing as someone else to obtain personal information, either in person or through electronic means.
• Skimming Devices: Installing skimming devices at strategic locations like ATMs, cash registers, and fuel pumps to illicitly capture data from your bank cards.
• Wi-Fi Eavesdropping: Exploiting public Wi-Fi to intercept personal information transmitted via your phone.
• Mail Theft: Intercepting or stealing mail to gain access to sensitive documents, such as bank statements or credit card statements.
• Data Breaches: Exploiting vulnerabilities in databases or online platforms to access and misuse large amounts of personal information from multiple individuals.

More generally, be aware of these Six Common Signs of Scams

1. Be Alert for “Problems” or “Rewards”: Stay vigilant if you’re told there’s a problem or you’ve won a prize. Scammers may allege government trouble such as an IRS tax issue or an issue with the police, outstanding debts, family emergencies or computer viruses. They might also claim issues with your accounts, insisting on verifying personal information or asking for fees to claim a supposed lottery or sweepstakes win.
2. Deceptive Impersonation: Be cautious if someone claims to represent a familiar organization, especially government agencies like the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare. Scammers may also pose as businesses you know, such as utility companies, tech firms,or charities. They can manipulate caller ID information, making it appear genuine when it’s not.
3. Payment Red Flags: Pay attention to payment methods scammers demand. They often specify unusual payment forms like cryptocurrency, wiring money via services such as MoneyGram or Western Union, using payment apps, or putting funds on a gift card. Be wary if they insist on these methods. Additionally, be cautious if someone sends you a check, asks you to deposit it, and then requests money.
4. Hasty Decisions: Don’t let pressure force quick decisions. Scammers want immediate action to prevent you from thinking it over. They may use threats of arrest, lawsuits, license revocation, or deportation. Some even warn of imminent computer corruption. Stay calm.
5. Suspicious or Unusual Contact Channels: Confirm the legitimacy of communication by using official contact channels. If someone claims to be from a recognized organization, independently verify their contact information through official websites or directories instead of relying solely on the information provided during the call.
6. Your Instincts Tell You Something: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and question unexpected or suspicious requests for personal information or payments. Scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency or fear, so take the time to assess the situation before taking any action.