Nowadays, preventing identity theft and other fraudulent activities can be quite difficult since scammers and hackers tend to go digital as well.
Good thing, there are steps on how to reduce your risk of being a victim. To help you out, here are the effective ways on how to avoid identity theft.
Do not give personal information to anyone
One of the basic things to do to protect yourself from identity theft is to never share your private information to anyone.
Many hackers or scammers pretend to be a bank representative or debt collector. They tend to call potential victim and ask them to update their account details. Do not give any private information right away. Make sure that the person you are talking to is a legit representative from bank or debt collection agency. Plus, banks will ask you to go their branch when updating an account profile.
Do not click links on emails
Apart from phone calls, scammers utilize emails as well to conduct fraudulent activities. They may attract you with promos and offers from the companies you know. Their goal is to entice you so you will click on the links they have provided. This link may contain malware or viruses that can get your personal data.
Quick tip: Before clicking any links, carefully check the email address of the sender. Determine if it is fake or not.
Use two-factor authentication
Many banks provide two-factor authentication setting to their consumers to add security in their account.
This security feature requires the consumers to have a second proof of identity through providing a secret code. This code is often sent to the consumer’s mobile phone or computer.
Many financial companies require this security feature when updating accounts or changing details. So, you will know if someone tries to change something in your account.
Create strong passwords
When creating passwords, make sure to use complex ones. Combine numbers, letters, and special characters. This way, you can secure your citi cash back card
Quick tip: Refrain from using the same passwords to all your accounts, may it be a social media account or bank account.
Do not use public Wi-Fi when doing financial transactions
The availability of public Wi-Fi enables us to instantly connect with our families and friends even though we don’t have mobile data. However, using a public Wi-Fi connection is not always safe.
Refrain from conducting any financial transactions when using it. Some hackers set up their own public Wi-Fi to gather private information from their potential victims.
Monitor your credit report
A credit report refers to the detailed record of a person’s credit history. One way to know if you are a victim of identity theft is to regularly monitor your credit report. This way, you will know if someone has opened a bank account or borrow money under your name.
Quick tip: Do this quarterly to ensure that your credit report is free from errors. If there are any discrepancies in your credit history, report it immediately in the credit bureau.
Save 20% of the down payment
It is wise a decision to save up for your down payment before you decided to purchase your dream home. You can create a budget and schedule
Saving up to 20% of the required down payment will enable you to only loan the needed amount. This helps you save money from repayment and interest rates.
Key takeaway
Buying your first home should be planned carefully, from hiring an agent to choosing the best mortgage loan, especially if you are a first-time home buyer.Their goal is to entice you so you will click on the links they have provided. This link may contain malware or viruses that can get your personal data.
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