A new year brings with it the opportunity to start fresh. Whether you want to lose weight, exercise more or quit a vice, there’s no better time than now to make a change. Every year there are new scams looking to take advantage of your vulnerabilities. So, as we take this new year on, do yourself a favor and make a new years safety resolution. We will give you some suggestions on how to protect yourself from becoming an identity theft victim.
Did you know that each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) offer you a free credit report each year? This is a wonderful tool because it allows you to keep an eye on your credit throughout the year. Your credit report will list every instance where a line of credit was opened or if there have been any credit inquiries on your file. If you spot an entry that you don’t recognize, this could be identity theft. You can then take the necessary actions to resolve any issues. It is advisable to spread out your free credit reports so that you can keep an eye on it throughout the entire year.
Many of us use debit cards daily. Money is taken directly from your checking account, and it can help you live within your means. If you don’t have the money in your account, you will be subject to fines. However, you shouldn’t carry your debit card around with you. Debit cards don’t have the same amount of protection as you do with a credit card. With a credit card, if your card is stolen and fraudulent charges appear, you call your credit card company, and they remove the charges. With a debit card, you often only have protection up to $50. Your bank may waive fraudulent charges, but they aren’t often required to. If your debit card is stolen and your bank account is drained, can you imagine the devastation it could cause in your life? It’s better to leave your card at home.
The new year is a great time to re-evaluate your social media settings. Do you know if your account is private, or can anyone see your posts? Many people post very important information on their social media pages. This information could be used to steal your identity. Take a look at your security settings and make sure that your information can only be seen by those you trust. Also, take this time to thin down your friends list. Is everyone you’re connected with someone you’d like to share all this information with?
It’s time for a fresh start, so make a new years safety resolution and stick to it. You and your family will be safer for it.
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