ROANOKE, Va. – As part of Identity Theft Awareness Week, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging individuals to protect themselves from identity theft scams. A successful scam can lead to stolen identities and personal information, potentially resulting in someone impersonating you to commit crimes.
Scammers are increasingly sophisticated. They might open fraudulent credit cards and loans, drain bank accounts, or sell personal information to data brokers. Detecting identity theft can be challenging, as criminals often take steps to conceal their activities. The consequences of identity theft can be severe, affecting assets, damaging credit scores, and harming reputations.
Spotting Identity Theft
To detect potential identity theft:
- Monitor accounts: Regularly review bank statements and credit card bills for any unexplained charges, withdrawals, or unrecognized accounts.
- Check Credit Reports: Make sure to check your credit reports frequently for unauthorized inquiries or accounts. You can check your credit report here.
Protecting Against Identity Theft
Safeguarding personal information is crucial:
- Secure Documents: Shred sensitive documents containing Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other personal data before disposal. Store such documents securely, such as locked in a safe.
- Recognize Phishing Attempts: Be vigilant against phishing scams, which may come via email, text, social media, or phone calls. Be aware of the subtle tricks these crooks use.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, you can report it using the BBB Scam Tracker here.
Protecting Yourself from Hackers
Protecting yourself from hackers is another important key in the protection of personal information.
- Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, avoiding easily guessed information.
- Password best practices: Change passwords frequently, use multiple forms of verification and avoid using birthdays, names, or other easily accessible information.
- Be Cautious: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders.
If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, follow the recommended steps here to secure your personal identification. For more information on identity theft prevention, click here.
