ID Theft Proactive Measures

Did you know Americans lost $10.3 billion dollars to internet scams in 2022?

Ways you can protect yourself:

• Avoid carrying sensitive cards: Only carry your social security card or Medicare card if absolutely necessary. Otherwise, leave them in a safe place at home.
• Use credit cards for online purchases: Credit cards offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards, so it's safer to use them for online transactions.
• Beware of email links: Don't click on links in emails, especially if they seem suspicious. Instead, manually type the website address into your browser or use a trusted app.
• Avoid pop-ups: Don't interact with pop-ups, especially those claiming your computer has a virus. Close them immediately and run a reputable antivirus scan if you're concerned.
• Beware of lottery scams: Be cautious of emails or calls claiming you've won a lottery but require banking information. Legitimate lotteries don't ask for payment or personal information to claim prizes.
• Ignore fake law enforcement calls: Scammers may impersonate law enforcement, claiming you have a warrant and demanding payment. Genuine law enforcement agencies don't operate this way. If unsure, contact your local authorities directly to verify the claim.