Five Steps to Take Before Year End to Help Protect Against Fraud

In today’s digital age, we probably often ask ourselves, “What can I do to protect myself and my family further from fraud and scams?” While we know we can’t absolutely, 100% protect ourselves from those trying to get our personal information and money, following these five recommendations will help. And you have time to take action before the end of the year!

• Start by examining the security and privacy settings on all your devices. Ensure that auto-security updates are enabled for your operating system and apps, as well as any social media accounts. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic, enhancing your privacy. Additionally, subscribing to an antivirus software service can provide an extra layer of protection against malicious attacks.
  
  
• Conduct a password audit for all your accounts. Strong, complex passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access. Replace long-standing passwords with new ones that are at least 12-14 characters long, combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Using a password manager can make this process easier, helping you securely create and store robust passwords. However, if you prefer a traditional approach, ensure you write them down and keep them in a safe place. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.

• Set up online access for your bank and credit card accounts, even if you don’t typically conduct financial transactions online. This measure prevents fraudsters from creating online access to your accounts if your personal information is compromised. Set up account alerts at the same time to notify you of any deposits, withdrawals, or charges. You’ll likely be asked to set up two-factor authentication when setting up your logon details for added security. If prompted for security questions, consider using fictitious answers to further protect your information.

• Regularly review your credit reports and place a credit freeze with the three major credit reporting agencies if you haven’t done so already. This step prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your consent. Schedule quarterly requests for your credit reports at www.annualcreditreport.com to stay vigilant.

• Finally, safeguard your property records and set a schedule to review and monitor your real estate deeds to guard against fraudulent activity. Home title theft can occur when identity thieves transfer your house title to their name for illegal financial gains through refinance, Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) fraud or forged deeds. To review your title information, visit your county's website, usually through the County Recorder or Assessor’s Office, and search public records using your property address, name, or parcel number. Properties with mortgages, equity lines of credit or title insurance may gain additional protections against title theft.

Implementing these five steps can significantly bolster your defenses against fraud and scams for you and your family. However, remaining vigilant requires a proactive mindset. Trust your instincts - if something feels off, it probably is. Scammers often pose as familiar organizations, create a false sense of urgency, pressure victims into immediate action or require you to pay in specific ways. Being proactive about security can protect your assets and personal information from fraud. Stay vigilant, and remember, your best defense is often a cautious approach.

AARP has resources to help if you think you’ve been approached with a scam or have been victimized. Call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to speak with a trained volunteer about your experience.

Join AARP Washington for Fraud Watch Friday, broadcast live on Zoom and Facebook on the third Friday of each month, to learn about current fraud trends and ask your questions about scams. Register at www.aarp.org/fwf.

by Kay Tomlinson, AARP Volunteer Fraud Watch Specialist