Dear Olga,
Can you explain a few simple guidelines on how to protect yourself from financial fraud?
Thank you,
Supporter
Dear Supporter,
Such a relevant topic, as the number of cashless transactions grow every year. Financial fraud is on the rise and the scams out there grow more intricate by the day, catching millions of people every year.
Have you heard the generalization that identity theft impacts mostly older people? Times have definitely changed because that's no longer true.
Check out this infographic from the FTC on the right. In 2018, young adults reported more instances of financial fraud than older people. 🤔
Of the $1.4 million fraud reports in 2018, 43% of those reports were young adults in their 20s compared to 15% in their 70s.
Although those in their 70s tend to lose more per transaction.
My favorite tool, that I use personally, recommend to my friends and family, as well as clients, is Credit Karma. While the main purpose of the tool is to monitor your credit score, there are some tools that are very helpful with tackling fraud.
My three favorite features are:
You can freeze your credit through Credit Karma, this will prevent new loans or credit lines from being recorded in your name until you unlock it.
Your credit score is updated every week and any drastic changes will be called out to your attention. If you set up notifications for specific changes, you can receive an email when those events occur. (For example, receive an alert any time a new credit card account is opened in your name.)
All of your debt and credit card information will be in one place. You can review all payment history and notify them of any discrepancies. Credit Karma can assist you in correcting your history as well, including correcting the history with the credit bureaus!
A rule of thumb for any account online, if there is two-factor authentication available, SET IT UP! Two-factor authentication allows you to add an additional layer of security by adding an additional password that will be generated each time; typically through a call, text message, or email. This will decrease the chances of your accounts being hacked. And while we're on the topic of passwords, don't share your passwords!
As technology becomes more intertwined with our lives, two-factor authentication will become more important. Many home security systems are connected and moderated online, it would be wise for you to consider additional layers of security. The good news is two-factor authentication is also available for home security systems as well. If you have a home security system, check out this Reviews.com article about setting additional security for your home.
A good rule of thumb if you suspect fraud or a scam: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! If you're unsure, sleep on it. Nothing can be so urgent that it can't wait 24 hours. If the person on the other side is being too pushy, chances are it's not something you want to involve yourself in.
As our lives continue to move more into cyberspace, this topic is growing each day. Feel free to write in again if there is anything more specific you'd like me to cover.
Best of luck!
Olga
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