Why Identity Protection is Worth the Investment
Picture this: you’re driving through a snowy, remote area when your car slides into a ditch. Stranded and alone, you’re relieved to have roadside assistance, and within the hour, help arrives. That small investment saved the day. Identity protection works the same way—it’s peace of mind you may never need but will be eternally grateful for when you do.
December is Identity Protection Month, making it the perfect time to secure your most valuable asset: your personal information. Proactively safeguarding your identity can prevent the nightmare of fraud or data breaches. Here’s how to give yourself the gift of lasting protection.
1. Shop Smart, Shop Secure
The holiday season is prime time for cybercriminals, with online shopping exposing personal information to potential breaches. Stay safe with these tips:
- Use HTTPS websites: Always check for “HTTPS” in the URL to ensure encrypted data.
- Avoid public WiFi for transactions: Use a mobile hotspot or wait until you’re on a secure network.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Protect your accounts with an extra verification layer.
- Use credit cards over debit cards: Credit cards offer better fraud protection, keeping your bank account safe.
2. Travel Safely
Holiday trips can expose you to identity theft risks, from lost luggage to unsecured hotel networks. Be vigilant:
- Carry only essentials: Leave unnecessary documents, like your Social Security card, at home.
- Secure your Wi-Fi: Use a VPN to encrypt your online activities.
- Monitor your accounts: Check your bank and credit card statements for unusual activity while traveling.
3. Be Social Media Smart
Sharing holiday moments is fun but can expose you to risks. Stay cautious:
- Limit personal details: Avoid sharing travel plans or your address online.
- Adjust privacy settings: Ensure only trusted contacts can see your posts.
- Think before posting: Oversharing can make you a target for identity thieves.
4. Strengthen Your Passwords
Weak passwords are an open door for hackers. Secure your accounts:
- Create strong, unique passwords: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Try a password manager: These tools securely store and generate strong passwords.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Credit
Identity thieves often operate quietly, leaving long-term damage. Stay ahead with these steps:
- Monitor your credit report: Take advantage of free annual reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Sign up for credit monitoring: Get alerts for suspicious activity.
- Place a fraud alert: Notify lenders to verify your identity before opening accounts in your name.
6. Protect Your Mail and Packages
The holiday season’s influx of deliveries is an opportunity for thieves:
- Track deliveries: Request signature confirmation for packages.
- Lock your mailbox: Use secure mailboxes or a P.O. box.
- Shred sensitive documents: Destroy old statements, offers, and records to prevent dumpster divers from accessing your information.
7. Stay Vigilant Year-Round
Identity protection isn’t seasonal—it’s a year-round commitment:
- Check accounts regularly: Monitor bank and credit card activity for unauthorized transactions.
- Avoid phishing scams: Be wary of unsolicited messages asking for personal details.
- Educate others: Share tips with family members, especially those less familiar with digital security.
Richards & Richards: Your Partner in Identity Protection
At Richards & Richards, we make protecting your identity easy and secure. Whether shredding paper documents or destroying hard drives, we ensure your personal information stays out of the wrong hands. Call us today at 615-242-9600 or complete the form on this page for a secure shredding solution tailored to your needs.
