4 Ways To Avoid Identity Theft

Scammers are out there – always looking for new ways to steal your personal information and your money. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Report, identity theft is the top scam in Tennessee, and fraud losses topped $157 million in 2024.

So, what can we do to protect ourselves?

• Set up online access to your bank and credit card accounts and monitor them regularly for suspicious activity. If you spot anything unusual, contact your bank or card provider immediately.
• Opt for paperless billing and statements to keep sensitive info out of your mailbox.
• Always shred documents like bank statements, tax forms, and medical bills before disposing of them.
• Keep your Social Security card in a secure place at home and only carry it when necessary.
• Lastly, never leave personal information in your car, even if locked.
  

• Use unique passwords for each account — 65% of Americans don’t, leaving multiple accounts vulnerable if one is compromised.
• Enable multifactor authentication for added protection, as relying solely on one-time passcodes is no longer enough.
• Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often insecure and easy targets for hackers.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails, as they could be phishing attempts, and never answer calls from unrecognized numbers.
• Finally, use a PIN or passcode to lock laptops, tablets, and smartphones; this adds a layer of protection if your device is lost or stolen.

• Be mindful of what you share on social media. Avoid posting personal details like your birthday, hometown, family members, and education history.
• Never input personal information into AI programs like ChatGPT, as it isn’t kept confidential and can be accessed like a public database.

• Check your credit reports monthly to stay on top of any potential issues. You can access reports from all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—through the free site AnnualCreditReport.com. This helps you monitor your credit and catch any discrepancies early.

If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately. If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Here’s what to do:

• Contact the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov IdentityTheft.gov  or by calling 877-438-4338. Online identity theft can also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, IC3.gov.
• The AARP Fraud Watch Network has a toll-free helpline (877-908-3360), where trained volunteers provide victims and family members with support and guidance on next steps.
• The ITRC offers information on ways to prevent ID theft and how victims can recover their identities.