Cybercrimes including identity thefts are on the rise. It is predicted that in 2024 cybercrimes will cost the world US$ 9.5 trillion. However, most people are not even sure how to check if their identity has ever been stolen or what to do in case their identity is stolen.
In the United States, in 2024, around 12% of identity theft victims lost more than US$ 10,000. The level of sophistication in online scams and identity fraud is increasing, which means you need to up your game.
Read on to learn which 12 common habits are putting your identity at risk.
Using Weak Passwords
Weak passwords are like sending invitation to cybercriminals to enter your house. If you assume you are safe from online fraud because you have kept a password other than “password123” or your birthdate for your wifi and email, it is not enough. Norton says over 80% of data breaches involve stolen, weak, or reused passwords.
It is a good idea to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Better yet, use a password manager to create and store complex passwords for all your online activities.
Clicking Unfamiliar Links
Phishing scams often lure people into clicking fake links that look legitimate but steal sensitive information. Statista says phishing and spoofing attacks were the most common type of identity theft in the U.S. in 2023, with millions falling victim.
It is a good practice to check twice the sender’s email address and not click links from unfamiliar, unknown, or suspicious sources. Hover over the link to see its real destination before clicking.
Responding To Debt Collection Phone Calls
Scammers often pose as debt collectors to extract sensitive details like your Social Security number or credit card information. These fraudsters use scare tactics, threatening lawsuits or arrests to make you act hastily. Do not act in haste; be firm and ask them to call you later so that you get the time to verify the call. It is advisable to verify the legitimacy of debt collectors by asking for written proof of the debt before sharing any personal details.
Using Public WiFi Without VPN
Public WiFi networks in coffee shops, airports, libraries, stores, and hotels are breeding grounds for cyberattacks. Hackers can intercept data you send or receive on these unsecured networks.
47% of Americans frequently use public Wi-Fi leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can encrypt your data and keep you safe.
Not Checking Your Credit Reports
Failing to monitor your credit report leaves you unaware of unauthorized activities like new credit card accounts opened in your name. One in ten American adults have no clue what their credit score is and one in five don’t know how to check it.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to request a free credit report annually from the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Regular checks can help you spot fraud early.
Oversharing On Social Media
Posting too much personal information, such as your birthdate, pet’s name, choice of bank, current location, or even your mother’s maiden name can provide cybercriminals with the exact clues they need to guess your passwords or security questions.
According to Equifax, 65% of identity theft victims had a visible social media presence. To minimize risks, keep your profiles private and think twice before sharing personal details.
Not Updating Apps And Software
Ignoring software updates exposes you to vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Old versions of apps or operating systems often lack security patches that protect against the latest cyber threats. Regular updates are one of the easiest ways to keep your devices secure.
Sharing Personal Information Over the Phone
Scammers often impersonate banks, government agencies, or tech support to trick people into providing personal and sensitive information over the phone which is called “vishing.” Such attacks have increased in sophistication and frequency.
The FTC warns against sharing sensitive details unless you have initiated the call and can verify the recipient’s authenticity. Legitimate organizations will never ask for your Social Security number or account password over the phone.
Failing To Shred Important Documents
Throwing away old bank statements, medical records, or tax forms without shredding them is an open invitation for identity thieves to go dumpster hunting.
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, physical document theft still accounts for a significant portion of identity fraud cases. Make sure to destroy paperwork with sensitive information like your birthdate, address, social security number, bank account number, or phone number before discarding it.
Not Logging Out Of Shared Devices
Leaving your accounts logged in on shared or public devices can give the next user unrestricted access to your personal information.
Many regularly forget to log out of accounts after using public or shared devices. Always log out and clear browser data when using computers that aren’t yours.
Using The Same Password Across Multiple Accounts
Reusing passwords across platforms creates a domino effect. If one account gets hacked, all your other accounts become readily vulnerable.
The 2021 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that 61% of breaches involved compromised credentials. Use a unique password for each account and consider enabling two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
Ignoring Unusual Account Activity
If you notice unauthorized transactions on your bank account or unexpected logins to your email, it’s a sign that your identity might already be compromised.
The FTC recommends immediately contacting your bank, freezing your credit, and reporting the incident to IdentityTheft.gov. Prompt action can significantly minimize the damage caused by identity theft.
