In light of the recent data breach affecting billions of individuals, safeguarding your Social Security number and credit is paramount. Here are ten essential tips to shield your personal information:
- Keep Your SSN Private: Share it only when absolutely necessary and avoid giving it over the phone or email unless you’re certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.
- Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit: Prevent unauthorized access to your credit report by freezing it with the major credit bureaus. Unfreeze it when needed for credit applications.
- Shred Documents: Shred any documents containing personal information before discarding them.
- Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity. Get a free report annually from each bureau via AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Use Strong Passwords: Protect online accounts with complex passwords and avoid reusing them. Consider a password manager.
- Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal information. Always verify the sender’s identity.
- Secure Your Devices: Install and update antivirus software. Enable encryption to protect data in case of loss or theft.
- Verify Before Sharing: If someone requests your SSN over the phone, verify their identity and the request’s purpose.
- Stop Pre-Approved Credit Offers: Opt out of pre-approved offers by calling 1-888-5OPTOUT or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com.
- Set Up Account Alerts: Enable alerts for unusual activity on your financial accounts.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and protect your financial well-being. Stay safe and secure!
