Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S. Seniors are especially vulnerable.
Here are some things to do to prevent yourself from being a victim:
- Get a locking mail box that meets USPS standards.
- Put a “fraud alert” on your credit by contacting any of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Transunion, Equifax). This is free to you and lasts 7 years. It will prevent anyone but you from using your credit.
- Install a router or have one installed on your home network.
- Check your credit report every six months for unauthorized activity.
- You can get a free credit report once a year from any of the three major credit reporting agencies.
- Use passwords on your computer with at least 8 characters and mix in symbols and numbers. Better yet, use a password manager.
- Don’t do on-line banking on your mobile phone.
- Contact me to do a background investigation on people who are coming into your home such as caregivers.