The prevalence of personal digital technology has ushered in an era of unprecedented convenience for everyone who has a smartphone in their pocket, or a laptop tucked into their bag. Yet these exciting portable gadgets, and the systems they have inspired, have also created a hothouse for people who would like to steal what does not belong to them. The convenience for consumers of the modern era has also offered convenience to criminals in search of targets for fraud and identity theft.
Identity fraud is defined as the unauthorized use of another person’s personal information to achieve illicit financial gain. Identity fraud can range from simply using a stolen payment card account, to making a fraudulent purchase, to taking control of existing accounts or opening new accounts.
Consumers and the companies they do business with must work together to prevent cases of identity theft from occurring. Taking every step possible to protect yourself can help insulate you from the worry and inconvenience of online predators and identity theft.
Simple Actions, Important Effects
With a few simple steps, you can reduce your chances of becoming a target of security breaches. Many criminals rely on a consumer’s desire not to inconvenience herself or himself. They also hope for inattention toward the small details that have profound effects on account security.
Take time to evaluate your personal devices and accounts for these easy ways to protect yourself.
1. Ensure all your devices have security measures enabled. Many people utilize their devices to make purchases, access sensitive accounts, and share personal information. This information can easily find its way into the wrong hands without proper security. Enable PINs and lock screens on all devices, whether they are phones, tablets, or laptop computers. Encrypt your storage devices to protect your information.
2. Utilize secure methods to access the internet. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Consider making use of a VPN for important connections. Install anti-malware software and invest in a reputable anti-virus program on all devices, including phones.
3. Should a site offer two-factor authentication, enable it. While this requires an extra step for you to access your account, it also provides protection against unauthorized access.
4. Make use of account alert features wherever they are available. These notify you of activity from your account at banks, credit card companies, and other similar institutions. You may be able to receive them through phone apps, text messages, or email, and they allow you to take quick action when identity theft happens.
5. Guard against unauthorized transactions, especially online, by utilizing services such as Verified by Visa. Such verification services can help put a stop to transactions made by anyone but the account holder.
6. If you do not intend to open new accounts in the near future, consider a security freeze on your credit report. The fees for doing so vary by location, but are generally low and worth the additional security. A credit freeze must be placed with all three credit bureaus, and they do not prevent certain government agencies from accessing your credit. However, they do prevent the creation of accounts created by identity theft, and they can be lifted should you decide to open a new account.
View additional consumer resources here.
To report incidents of suspected fraud or identity theft, visit the FTC online.
Your security is important to CBC National Bank. Contact us today to learn more about how we keep you safe from identity theft, fraud, and other unauthorized access to your account!
