Giving Tuesday is a day to extend a helping hand, support charitable causes, and share kindness with those in need. However, despite the noble intention of Giving Tuesday, there is an alarming concern that continues to grow – the presence of Giving Tuesday scams. These scams are designed to exploit the goodwill of donors, [...]
The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching and will be gone before you know it. So, it's time to start checking off that gift list! Online holiday shopping brings game-changing convenience to busy shoppers, but without the proper safety best practices, online shoppers can be vulnerable to hackers, identity theft, and all other kinds [...]
Are you planning to cancel your IdentityIQ membership? Life is unpredictable, and sometimes priorities change. If you plan to cancel your IdentityIQ membership, we respect your decision. However, we strongly recommend that you do not leave yourself unprotected from identity theft. Safeguarding your identity is more critical than ever with one in four Americans [...]
The holiday season is the perfect time of the year to buy presents for your friends and family, but it's also a time when credit card fraud is at an all-time high. In fact, studies have shown roughly 25% of people fall victim to credit card fraud during the holidays. Because of how common [...]
Today, where the internet plays a crucial role in our daily lives, it is essential to be vigilant and proactive in helping protect yourself from internet fraud. Online scams and fraudulent activities continue to evolve, targeting unsuspecting individuals and causing substantial financial and personal harm. The Federal Trade Commission released a statement analyzing annual [...]
Employers that keep their workers secure, engaged, and productive can naturally gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. One way to promote employee well-being is to offer benefits that extend beyond standard employment packages. Identity theft protection is one valuable employee benefit that protects employees and provides advantages for the employer. Here’s why identity theft [...]
Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help keep you safe and anonymous online. It’s a good idea to always keep your VPN active for maximum protection, but there are certain scenarios when you might need to temporarily shut it off. Here’s what you need to know about VPNs. What Is a VPN? A [...]
You work hard to protect your identity. You're cautious about sharing personal information, you regularly change your passwords, and you keep an eye on your credit report. But despite your diligence, there's a form of identity theft that's becoming increasingly prevalent and is notoriously difficult to detect -- synthetic identity theft. Understanding this growing threat [...]
If you're considering donating to help the victims of the Israel-Hamas war, it's important to be vigilant and aware of potential charity scams that could divert your hard-earned money to scammers. Criminals often fly under the radar to impersonate real charities, especially during times of conflict and war, social unrest, global health crises, or natural [...]
Travel has become an essential part of everyday life for many, offering adventure, cultural experiences, and opportunities for personal growth. However, as we embark on these journeys, we must also be vigilant guardians of our personal information. Travel identity theft is a rising concern, with cybercriminals constantly devising new ways to exploit unsuspecting travelers. [...]
Credit card locks and credit freezes are security features that can be used to help protect you from fraud and identity theft. But even though they sound similar, they perform very different functions when keeping you safe. The key difference: credit card locks help protect your credit card from fraud, while credit freezes help protect [...]
Identity theft is an evolving threat that can have particularly severe consequences for military personnel. With the unique challenges and responsibilities they face, safeguarding military members’ personal information is paramount. In this article, we cover ten tips to help prevent identity theft, specifically tailored to the needs of those serving in the armed forces. [...]
In today's modern world of social media, online gaming with games like Fortnite and Roblox, and online shopping, the internet is easily one of the most valuable assets a child can have. However, it's also potentially one of the most dangerous, depending on what sites they visit and their other activities. While the internet [...]
The internet is bustling with activities kids want to explore. But just as you wouldn’t send your child outdoors without some guidance, the same applies to their time online. How can you actively protect your kids online without hovering over their shoulder every second? This guide offers practical steps to help you build a [...]
Smart TVs – such as Roku and Amazon Fire TV sticks with streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube TV – it seems like everyone has them these days. With the ability to watch just about any show your heart desires with the click of a button, the convenience is unbeatable. But like we’ve [...]
By now, you've more than likely heard the cheerful chatter of your child and their friends discussing Roblox and even been nagged on more than one occasion to buy them some Robux. In this vast digital playground, creativity and imagination come to life in the form of games designed by players worldwide. But just [...]
Since the summer of 2017, Fortnite Battle Royale has been one of the most popular games in the world. Fortnite is the name of an online video game developed by Epic Games and gives people the chance to fight and play against people from all over the world. While the game is free to [...]
Ah, Amazon. The go-to marketplace for anything from gadgets to groceries. You love the convenience, the variety, and, let's be honest, the near-immediate shipping. It's all fantastic, right? But lurking behind those unbeatable deals and endless aisles of products are crafty scammers who want nothing more than to hijack your comfort zone for their [...]
In today’s interconnected world, your family’s digital footprint grows every time you click, post, or shop online. While the internet has its perks, it also exposes your personal details that could be vulnerable to misuse. Do you know that 1.25 million American children were victims of identity fraud last year? This blog sheds light [...]
Credit card skimmers are illegal devices that criminals use at payment points of service, including ATMs, gas stations, and merchant credit card terminals, to steal consumer card information. While credit card skimming can happen anywhere, there are some ways to help protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Credit Card Skimming? Credit [...]
If you own a credit or debit card, there's a pretty good chance you have experienced credit card fraud at some point in your life. According to research conducted by Security.org, roughly 65% of people with a credit or debit card will experience fraud at least once. Although most people think of money and [...]
As Americans struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic, one effort to help was student loan forbearance. Federal student loans start accruing interest again this month and repayments will begin again in October. However, scammers are looking for ways to trick student loan borrowers once payments resume. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are trying [...]
Tax season provides an opportunity for criminals to commit tax-related identity theft using stolen taxpayer information to file tax returns and claim fraudulent tax refunds. Recovering from tax identity theft can be time-consuming and might delay any legitimate tax refund you may be owed. One way to proactively prevent tax identity theft is to sign [...]
Having a good credit report is important if you want to take out loans, apply for a mortgage, or get low interest rates. Your credit score is determined by major credit bureaus, including Experian®, TransUnion®, and Equifax®, and they independently set your credit score based on information they receive from your lenders. If you [...]
The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and… a surge in online scams. While you’re shopping for gifts or booking flights, hackers are plotting to trick you into revealing your personal details and financial information. Holiday phishing scams are an ongoing issue that ramps up when folks are feeling the most festive. About three-quarters of American [...]
Dealing with identity theft is like having your personal space invaded in the worst possible way. It's unsettling, to say the least. But don't worry, we’ve got your back! If you've found yourself as an identity theft victim in this unfortunate situation, take a deep breath and let's tackle this step by step. Here's [...]
Nowadays, cyber threats are something we can't ignore – and as technology advances, so do the methods used by scammers. One of the most devious tricks that they use is called clone phishing. In this blog post, we dive into the world of clone phishing, shedding light on what it is, the potential risks [...]
Imagine your dusty old computer, tucked away in the corner of your attic, becoming a Pandora's box of personal secrets. Those devices hold the keys to your digital life, brimming with memories, personal data, and more. What if in the wrong hands, that obsolete computer becomes a treasure trove for cybercriminals, eager to crack [...]
AI social engineering scams are on the rise, according to IDIQ Chief Innovation Officer Michael Scheumack. “AI-based social engineering scams, which were at a high percentage last year, are up 100% this year for us,” Scheumack said. IdentityIQ, a trusted identity theft and credit monitoring brand under IDIQ, recently came out with its 2022 [...]
Phone scams are surging. In the last decade, the rise in phone scams has put millions at risk. Last year, more than 70 million Americans lost nearly $40 million to phone scams. Given that number, the need for vigilance and effective countermeasures is evident. Read on to find out how scammers can get a hold [...]
AI voice cloning scams are the newest growing threat to your identity, according to cybersecurity expert Scott Hermann. “This is, without hesitation, the scariest thing I have ever seen,” said Hermann, the founder and CEO of IdentityIQ, a top-rated financial and identity theft protection company. Hermann recently spoke with Fox News about the growing [...]
Day by day, threats to online security continue to rise. Among these threats, spam and phishing are two commonly misunderstood but distinct challenges. In this blog, we shed light on the differences between spam and phishing and provide valuable insights to help you avoid falling victim to these malicious activities What is Spam? Spam [...]
Cookies are a common and core component of the modern internet, but many people often wonder what these "cookies" are, how they function, and whether they should be a cause for concern. This article explores what cookies are, how they work, and how they impact your online experience, privacy, and security. What Are Cookies? [...]
Have you ever wondered if there's a way to improve your credit score beyond the traditional methods of using credit cards and loans? Now there is. Utility payment reporting, offered by IdentityIQ, allows your utility bill payments, such as gas, electricity, and even select streaming services, to be reported to major credit bureaus to [...]
With the significant and growing dependence of online platforms for financial transactions, financial account fraud is becoming a growing concern. In fact, of all new accounts created by identity criminals last year, 62% were financial accounts according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). Not only does this pose a threat to every individual, [...]
Have you ever wished you could get credit for your on-time rent payments? Now you can. IdentityIQ, a leading provider of identity theft protection and credit monitoring services, has a groundbreaking addition to its suite of features: rent payment reporting. This new service allows your on-time rent payments, and potentially up to 24 months [...]
Protecting your personal information and online identity is crucial, especially as cyber threats continue to gain traction. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to get unauthorized access to sensitive data, and having your credentials compromised poses a significant threat. In fact, last year 55% of identity crime cases reported to the Identity Theft Resource [...]
As digital connectivity continues to grow, safeguarding your online accounts from misuse is becoming increasingly crucial. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), last year there was a 13% increase in reports of misuse for both new and existing accounts compared to the year prior. Account misuse can result in alarming repercussions, including [...]
Picture this: it’s your first week at a new job. You’re knee-deep in training when suddenly you receive an email from the CEO of your company. Hi, Please, can you help me? I am very busy and need your help right now. There is a pending invoice that needs to be paid urgently. Please [...]
In today's digital age, social engineering scams have become an increasingly prevalent threat. In fact, last year, scams accounted for 80% of reported identity compromises to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). This was a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Social engineering scams leverage psychological manipulation to deceive individuals and exploit the [...]
Criminals who obtain an individual’s personally identifiable information (PII) may share it or sell it online using the dark web. Many companies offer dark web scans that will search the dark web for your information and alert you if they find anything. But it’s important to remember the limitations of dark web scans and [...]
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet most people can't access. It's where illegal activities, like buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information, take place. If you're not familiar with the dark web, you might be wondering what it is, how information gets there, and what happens if your [...]
In a world where cyber threats are increasingly prevalent, the dark web has become a breeding ground for criminal activity. This has left individuals and businesses wondering whether dark web monitoring is worth the investment. This blog explores the ins and outs of dark web monitoring, including what it is, how it works, and [...]
Imagine this: You're eagerly selling an antique dresser on Facebook Marketplace and a prospective buyer communicates interest in it. However, they express concern that you may be trying to scam them. In an effort to establish your credibility as a legitimate seller, they request you confirm your identity with a verification code. Soon enough, [...]
Juice jacking, a new cybercrime trend, is targeting people who charge their phones or tablets at public charging stations. This blog delves into the specifics of juice jacking, including how it operates, the various attack types, the associated risks, measures to help safeguard yourself, and actions to take if you fall prey to it. [...]
Hackers can use different techniques to steal your passwords. One way they can use your stolen personal data is called credential stuffing. Read on to learn more about credential stuffing and how you can help protect yourself. What is Credential Stuffing? Credential stuffing is a cyberattack involving hackers using software to try multiple combinations of [...]
When your Social Security card is stolen, it can be a major cause for concern. The primary concern with a stolen Social Security card is identity theft. With just your Social Security number, identity thieves can wreak havoc in your name, negatively impacting your credit, finances and even commit crimes in your name. As [...]
In recent years, the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) experienced a significant increase with its value exceeding $23 billion last year alone, according to DappRadar. However, this growth also led to an increase in NFT scams where bad actors stole login credentials or deceived buyers. In this blog, we explain how these scams operate [...]
Home title theft is a growing threat that can risk your property and financial well-being. Protect yourself by reading this blog, which explains how home title theft works and provides practical advice to help you prevent it. What Is Home Title Theft & How Does It Happen? Home title theft is a type of fraud [...]
Do you know that how you dispute fraudulent charges on a debit card is different than on a credit card? Consumer protection laws differ in each case and knowing the differences can help to keep your accounts safe from identity theft. Mainly, if you need to dispute a fraudulent debit card charge, the funds you [...]
Cryptocurrency scams have become increasingly common as the popularity of digital assets continues to rise. With the potential for significant financial losses, knowing how to help avoid falling victim to these scams is crucial. This blog covers the most prevalent crypto scams and provide tips on helping protect yourself. The Basics on Cryptocurrency What [...]
Have you ever had a delivery guy knock on your door and wondered if there’s yet another package you impulsively added to the cart and then forgot about? Well, you might be receiving a product you never ordered. Instead of it being the delivery website’s fault, it’s likely that you might be a part [...]
As May is Military Appreciation Month, a month-long observance to honor active service members and veterans, it's important to note that serving in the military doesn't guarantee protection against identity theft. Unfortunately, military personnel and their loved ones are at higher risk of becoming victims of identity theft and other types of fraud. Here [...]
Passwords are essential when keeping your information safe on your devices. But unfortunately, many people use weak or the same password, making it easy for hackers to crack them. Research shows that 52% of people reuse passwords for multiple accounts. Luckily, password managers can help by creating and storing strong passwords for different websites and apps [...]
Employment identity theft is when someone uses your name and personal information to gain employment. Like other forms of fraud, employment identity theft is illegal and can have devastating financial consequences for its victims. Here’s what you need to know about employment identity theft, and what to do if you find out you’ve become [...]
While it’s important to be on high alert and protect your identity all year long, tax season is an especially vulnerable time. Every tax season, identity thieves run a variety of scams to get their hands on taxpayers’ personal information. Many scams occur, but most have a common goal: filing a fraudulent tax return [...]
Identity theft is no joke. Unfortunately, it can have some serious consequences for your financial health. One of the most significant impacts it can have is on your credit score. This blog explains how identity theft affects your credit score and gives tips to help protect it. How Does Identity Theft Impact Your Credit [...]
As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology, protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. Data breaches and cyberattacks can result in costly consequences, making strong data security practices essential. In this blog, we cover the top-seven data security practices every workplace should implement to help protect valuable information and more. Why is Data [...]
When you receive a tax refund, you’ve overpaid your taxes for the previous year. The government is returning your money. But receiving a lump sum all at once can still feel like found money. You may be tempted to splurge on something you’ve had your eye on, like a new pair of shoes or an [...]
Tax season can sometimes be stressful even when things go according to plan, but what happens when you are the victim of tax identity theft? Here's a comprehensive guide on tax identity theft, how it works, and what to do if you suspect it. What Is Tax Identity Theft? Tax identity theft happens when someone [...]
Scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of people, and the airline industry is no exception. Whether through fake airline ticket booking sites or fake flight cancellation emails, travelers need to be vigilant and protect themselves from airline scams. In this blog, we provide tips and advice on recognizing and avoiding airline [...]
Malware is an umbrella term used to describe any malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or extract sensitive data from a system, device, or network.
Ransomware is one of the most common types of cyberattacks. With how vastly the internet has become embedded in our day-to-day lives, cyberattacks such as ransomware can cause costly disruptions. According to the Harvard Business Review, the amount of money paid to ransomware hackers increased 300% from 2020 to 2021. This is after ransomware attacks rose [...]
Staying at a hotel should be an enjoyable experience. But unfortunately, there are many scams out there that can make it a nightmare. To help protect your personal information and money, it is important to be aware of the most common hotel scams and how to help avoid them. 5 Common Hotel Scams Hotels [...]
Tax season is here, and watching out for common tax scams is essential. The IRS reports that tax scams have cost victims more than $23 million in the last nine years. Here are three scams to be aware of and a few tips for how you can help avoid them. Phone Scams A phone scam is [...]
Every year, tax season presents a seasonal opportunity for criminals seeking monetary gain from identity theft. There are many ways that scammers may try to obtain personal information, but the end goal is to file a falsified tax return in the taxpayer’s name and claim a tax refund. The scheme may not be discovered [...]
The traditional way to build credit requires getting a credit card and/or loan and making monthly payments on time. But that activity doesn’t include all the other utility bills you pay. So, it only represents a small portion of your financial behavior. Most utility providers don’t report payment activity to the credit bureaus, which [...]
Losing your phone can feel like the end of the world. One minute it's in your pocket, and the next you can't find it anywhere! Whether it was dropped somewhere, taken by someone, or completely disappeared into thin air, you're now in a whirlwind of worry and frustration. No doubt you are concerned about [...]
We rely on the internet, from communicating with loved ones on social media to working and conducting business. As a result, vulnerability to cybercrime is a serious concern. One of the ways hackers attempt to exploit people is by creating Wi-Fi hotspots that imitate a legit business, organization or even an airport and acts [...]
You might not realize it, but your computer or phone constantly records everything you do. Every keystroke, every website you visit, and every password you type is recorded by a piece of software or hardware called a keylogger or keystroke logger. Keyloggers are used for many different things - from tracking employees' activity to [...]
Spam emails only become dangerous depending on how you handle them. So, while opening a spam email won't necessarily cause harm, what you do next is crucial. This blog will discuss what you can do if you accidentally open a spam email on your smartphone. What Happens If You Accidentally Open a Spam Email [...]
Scammers are back at it again with a new scheme – called “pig butchering scams” – that targets people looking for love online. This highly sophisticated scam lures people into long-term relationships before selling them on fake online investment opportunities. The scam is quickly spreading. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center recently saw more than [...]
Most people know a couple who met on an online dating site. What was once a stigma has now become commonplace as access to the internet has grown, and so has the number of online dating sites. Finding love online is now as simple as downloading an [...]
The 20th annual Safer Internet Day is taking place on February 7! Safer Internet Day is a campaign that aims to educate the public on internet safety and encourage everyone to take part in creating a safer internet. Why is Safer Internet Day Important? Online safety is a global issue, with 60% of the [...]
As the threat of identity theft continues to rise yearly, it’s important to watch out for signs that someone is using your Social Security number (SSN). In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take to find out if someone is using your SSN and what to do if you discover [...]
Whether you have a project you are working on or want to give someone a couple of photos, there are several scenarios where you find yourself in need of sharing files. Regardless of the file type you want to share, it is important to consider the safety of the methods you use. In this [...]
With the New Year comes the time for filing your taxes. You should already be preparing to get your information together to file last year’s taxes. When the time comes to officially file, you do not want to end up with missing documents or information. This can significantly lengthen the filing process and even [...]
Shoulder surfing is a type of identity theft practice where someone tries to steal confidential information by spying over their target's shoulder. The objective of shoulder surfing is to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers or personal identification numbers (PINs) that can later be used to access accounts for financial gain.
Have you ever looked at your bank statement and wondered, what's the difference between your statement balance and your current balance? Don't worry. You're not alone! In this blog, we're breaking down the differences between a statement balance and a current balance. What is a Statement Balance? The statement balance is the total amount you owe [...]
If attending the biggest sporting events, festivals and concerts is a big part of your vacation plans, it can be a bummer to find out that the ticket deal you scored is a scam. After all, you are making a hefty investment to be there, which you know after budgeting out your vacation. And it [...]
The internet makes our lives more convenient but also brings about new threats that we need to be on the lookout for. Every year, up to 10% of Americans fall for a scam, which often leads to the exposure of their personal data, according to Legaljobs. Identity theft also affects around 1.4 million Americans [...]
Recently, thousands of Norton LifeLock customer accounts were compromised in a data breach. Criminal hackers attempted to break into Norton LifeLock customer accounts and possible password managers, meaning they might have gained access to customers’ usernames, passwords and other personal information. The company reports credential stuffing as the likely culprit for the attack. Credential [...]
With a final look back at 2022, we’re rounding up the most searched and visited blog posts from last year. Our most popular topics were primarily concerned with identifying and preventing different types of identity theft and scams. Our readers were interested in topics that covered how criminals can steal their money, access their [...]
With the tax season back, so are tax preparer fraudsters. While many trustworthy and honest tax preparers are willing to help you complete your tax returns, it’s still good to be cautious, especially when you want to protect your identity. Here’s how to avoid tax preparer fraud and what to look for when choosing [...]
Social media has become some of the most popular platforms people spend their time on. Whether you want to check up on your family members, post photos or even meet new people, social media is the way to go. Even businesses take up social media to promote their products and services. What you post on [...]
Most of us are familiar with the concept of identity theft – someone stealing your personal information and using it to commit fraud or other crimes. You can try to take all the proper precautions, but, unfortunately, your identity still might be at risk. For example, this can happen if your passport falls into [...]
With the holiday season upon us, e-cards are a popular way to spread holiday cheer! An e-card is a digital greeting card, typically sent via email. E-cards are slowly taking the place of traditional holiday cards for many reasons. They are typically cheaper, easier to send, more convenient and more animated than a normal [...]
If you're like most people, you probably think a fraud alert is only for people who have been victimized by identity theft before. But that's not the case at all! In fact, anyone can benefit from having a fraud alert on their credit file. So, what exactly is a fraud alert, and how does [...]
College students have many different things competing for their attention, from classes to school activities to an active social life. With all these demands, fighting identity theft might not seem like a pressing matter. But students are prime targets for identity theft, which can cause long-term damage to their finances and credit. Why Are [...]
Is IdentityIQ a scam? Does a company that protects you and your family’s identity really exist? Yes, in fact, IdentityIQ services not only monitor your identity, but you also receive credit report monitoring, meaning your identity and credit are protected. IdentityIQ plans also feature device security with anti-virus and VPN. So, you have complete [...]
Having a good credit score can be extremely beneficial when pursuing important financial goals like opening a credit card, taking out a loan or buying a car or a home. It can even help you land certain types of jobs or rent your dream apartment. For this reason, it’s very important to protect your [...]
Elderly Americans are facing a drastic increase in cybercrime, identity theft and financial abuse. Adults over age 60 last year reported $1.3 billion in cybercrime losses to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – a 74% increase from the previous year. The fact is, older Americans are a popular target for criminals who [...]
It can be scary finding out that a scammer has stolen your email address, whether it’s your personal or work address. Sadly, there are many ways scammers and hackers can source their victims’ email addresses, including buying them from data providers or the dark web, email harvesting, social engineering, fake websites or social media. [...]
For most U.S. citizens, an official birth certificate may be the most critical document to have in their possession. Birth certificates back up your identity using your name, date of birth, place of birth, your sex/gender as recorded at birth and the identity of your parents. They’re commonly referred to as “breeder documents” because [...]
No one ever expects to be a victim of identity theft. But the unfortunate truth is that it happens more often than you might think. According to AARP, one in four people is the victim of identity theft in the United States. Unfortunately, criminals don't always need your personal information to steal your identity [...]
When people mention identity theft, it’s only natural that your mind goes to the internet, dark web and digital identity theft. However, you’d be surprised to learn about the number of people actively digging through your trash to find information on your identity. Statistics from the Green Team indicate that Americans receive more than 4 million tons [...]
Identity theft continues to be a growing crime in America. According to Javelin Strategy, nearly 15 million Americans had their identities stolen in 2021. However, with technological advancements, preventing identity theft has become possible. For example, biometric technology has made it easier for us to protect our personal information and made it difficult for criminals [...]
You’ve probably come across the term identity theft. But what about criminal identity theft? What does it mean? Criminal identity theft refers to a crime where a thief impersonates another person when caught committing a crime. The thief uses an individual's personally identifiable information, including full name, driver's license number, Social Security number and [...]
Computer viruses are malicious programs that can disrupt computer systems, hijack or steal sensitive data, spy on users and spread to other computers on the same network. Technology improvements may mean the “Wild West” days of rampant computer viruses are over, but you still need to take steps to protect your devices. Most modern [...]
If you’re planning a vacation around the country, traveling has never been easier, especially with so many rideshare opportunities available to make it easy to get around. Apps like Uber and LYFT are highly accessible and easy to use. Many people rely on them, but it’s important to know that ride sharing apps are associated [...]
