By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
Online shopping, Facebook sharing – who doesn’t use the Internet or social media? But how do we keep our identity safe? Prime reached out to Mike Festa, president, AARP Massachusetts for advice. Here’s his tips for a safe holiday season:
Q: Yahoo, Verizon, now Equifax – there’s a new security breach releasing personal data every day. How can individuals try to protect their personal information?
“Identity theft is one of the most pervasive crimes in the world. It’s also one of the easiest to protect against, said Festa “Fraud Watch Network Ambassador and renowned security expert Frank Abagnale offered the following tips: Use strong passwords to protect financial accounts. Monitor bills and financial accounts regularly. Secure your computer by regularly changing passwords – experts suggest changing passwords at least every three months. Monitor your credit report through www.annualcreditreport.com. Don’t give out personal information over the phone, internet, or through regular mail unless you initiated that contact. If you receive a communication by someone claiming to be your financial institution, don’t respond. Contact the institution with a number you know to be correct. Report scams and fraud to your local police department.
“Lock your mailbox. Don’t have a locking one? They cost about $40. Leave nothing of value in your parked car to tempt identity thieves. This means your wallet, laptop and mobile device. “Don’t toss sensitive documents in the trash or recycling. Use a micro-cut shredder – the kind that shreds documents into confetti – to destroy them. Secure your smartphone with a password.
“Don’t share your Social Security number except for tax reasons, obtaining credit, and to verify employment. Don’t carry your Medicare card except to a health care appointment. Make a copy and black out all but the last four digits.”
Q: Social media is the source of so much communication today. How can individuals avoid sharing “too much” personal data on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites?
“Never post personal information – Social Security number (not even the last four digits), birthday, place of birth, home address, phone numbers, or personal account information,” said Festa. ”Avoid posting a front-facing picture of your full face. A con artist can copy the image and use it to create a photo ID to steal your identity.
“Think about what you post about yourself, especially on Facebook. When you post a vacation photo, you’re signaling to the world that your home or business might be unprotected.
“Set the privacy options for each of your social media account so information can only be viewed by people you select. Check your privacy settings regularly.
“Be suspicious of unsolicited emails and requests to connect or be friends. Be aware of dubious ads and fake news, a click can make you vulnerable to phishing attacks or malware.
“Don’t log in to your social media through public wireless networks, where scammers can lurk. And, update the anti-virus software on your computer regularly.”
Q: Speaking of social media – what are some of the new ways criminals are using our obsession with these online apps to dupe unsuspecting individuals?
“The coupon scam involves advertisements on social media and other online channels featuring too-good-to-be-true deals on hot items. The goal is to charge your credit card for phony goods or products you never receive, or to collect your personal information for identity theft.
“The genealogy scam capitalizes on the ancestry research craze. Scammers set up a legitimate-looking website and social media account –mimicking an authentic genealogy site by altering a character or two of the name. Victims are duped into providing credit card information, Social Security numbers and other personal information to identity thieves.
“An educated consumer is the best defense against fraud attempts. Sign up for free watchdog alerts at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call AARP’s helpline – 877-908-3360.”
