Today, there are more than 18 million Americans who have been victims of identity theft. In a world where everything is connected digitally, it’s easy for hackers to create a fake identity that pretends to be you.
And once they have your personal information like your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other such details, they can start using them to collect credit card numbers or commit other types of financial fraud against you.
The good news is that there are many ways in which you can protect yourself from being a victim of identity theft. Here is the latest methods identity thieves use to target you and take advantage of your personal information without you even knowing:
Online identity theft
Fraudsters are constantly looking for new ways to steal your personal information. In fact, cybercriminals are now targeting people using the internet through social networks, online shopping, and other websites.
By using online scams, scammers are able to steal your personal information and then use it to create fraudulent identities.
They use fake websites to trick you into providing information like your account passwords or security questions. Also, they can also use malicious attachments or links to infect your computer or mobile device with viruses.
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Either way, once they have your account information, they can make unauthorized transactions, start new accounts in your name, and make purchases you didn’t intend to make such as plane tickets or subscription fees.
Phishing attacks
These are one of the most common ways in which hackers steal your information.
You’re likely to come across phishing attacks if your email address is attached to your online accounts or if you use the same password for different accounts. Phishing is a type of social engineering attack.
It happens when someone tricks you into revealing your account information by using a fake email or website that looks real. The email could have an attachment, link, or an invitation to join a legitimate site.
When you open the email or visit the website, your browser is redirected to a fake website that looks authentic and tries to trick you into entering your information, like your login credentials or account information.
Scam text messages
While phishing attacks are generally done via email, scammers are also using SMS messages to target potential victims. They do so by placing links or short messages within legitimate text messages and charging you a premium to unsubscribe from that message.
Before you pay the charge and remove the link, you’re asked to enter your account information. It’s important to know that when you receive a text message on your mobile device that looks like it’s from a friend, it’s actually from a third party.
When you enter your phone number and email address, other information like your name, address, and date of birth are also entered. Hackers exploit this information to create a fake identity and credit history.
You can also be charged for things you didn’t order, like subscriptions or mobile phone bills.
Mobile identity theft
The amount of data you store on your mobile device can provide hackers with a treasure trove of information that they can use to impersonate you. To protect your data, make sure you change your phone number and lock your device whenever you’re not using it.
You can also enable two-factor authentication by logging into your mobile account and entering a code sent to your phone. This will make it harder for someone to access your account.
You can also set up password protection on your mobile device to prevent unauthorized people from accessing your data.