Key Takeaways
- Identity theft is a serious issue; awareness is key to prevention.
- Check website URLs, avoid oversharing on social media, and use unique passwords to protect your identity.
- Regularly review financial statements and credit reports to catch fraudulent activity.
- Implement small, consistent habits to safeguard your personal information, especially online.
- Protecting your identity requires common sense and a proactive approach, not perfection.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
When my identity was stolen, I filed a police report.
The officer taking my report informed me that it’s no longer a matter of “if” a person’s identity will be stolen but “when” it will happen.
That incident happened over a decade ago.
With the growth of online shopping and technological advances (including AI), it’s become easier for one’s identity to be stolen.
For your peace of mind, take the necessary precautions to protect your identity.
In an IRS tax tip email, they suggest you “treat your personal information like cash – don’t hand it out to just anyone.”
That statement says it all.
We know to verify if a website’s URL is legitimate and secure before inputting personal information.
But how many times do you really check when you buy something online or click on a link?
We know not to overshare on social media.
We hear stories of break-ins while homeowners are on vacation.
But do you continue to post your location when you’re away from your home?
We know to make passwords unique.
Use different passwords for each account; change them regularly, and don’t share them.
But with so many online accounts, how often have you used the same password?
We know to check our financial statements monthly for fraudulent charges.
In this way, we can identify fraud and begin the dispute process.
But how often have you waited too long to review your financial statements?
We know to review our credit report annually.
It’s a way to identify fraudulent accounts opened under your name.
But how many times have you requested your credit report?
You know what you need to do to protect your personal information.
But are you implementing it?
Here are some easy suggestions to follow.
Make it a habit to check a website’s URL before inputting personal information or clicking on a link.
Think twice before posting about your new expensive purchase or going on vacation.
Use password managers to store your passwords.
Enable two-step verification for websites that offer this additional security.
Scroll through your monthly financial transactions instead of scrolling through your social media.
Request your credit report when you’re gathering documents to file your taxes.
While technology is making it easier to steal your identity, there are actions you can take to minimize being a target.
Protecting your identity does not require perfection; it requires awareness, consistency, and a willingness to pause before sharing information.
Use common sense before sharing your personal information online, especially your location or major purchases.
A few small habits practiced regularly can make it much harder for thieves to gain access to what belongs to you.
(Update to original post from June 6, 2024)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC (TransitionPG®). She believes life is more than accumulating money – it’s about living the lifestyle you envision and can afford. Niv incorporates all aspects of life when discussing money. She developed the 5 P’s of Life (Personal Relationships, Personal Finance, Profession, Peace of Mind, and Physical Health) to help clients define what they want from life. Once she understands their vision, she helps them achieve their lifestyle or adjust their expectations based on their finances. Niv actively gives back to the community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, exploring the world, and laughing often—even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’” Click HERE to read where she’s been quoted in the media.
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