Five Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Fraud

Rebecca Luebrecht |

As the days of summer often bring sunshine and good times, this time of year also presents a higher risk of identity fraud. Forbes reported last year that most incidents of stolen identity happen in the summer.

Javelin Strategy & Research 2025 stated that consumers lost a total of $27.2 billion in 2024 due to identity fraud. This includes taking your information to start new accounts, steal from existing accounts, and make purchases by credit card fraud.

To help you keep your funds and credit score safe, here are five tips to protect yourself from identity fraud.

  1. Remember that public Wi-Fi is not secure. Logging in at your favorite coffee spot can be a fun way to work remote, but unsecure networks are also where cyber thieves sometimes lurk. If possible, use your own hotspot, or make sure you save sensitive data, such as online banking, for your private network.
     

  2. Freeze your credit. Freezing your credit stops any new credit accounts from being opened in your name. It is free to freeze your credit and does not affect your credit score. You can lift the freeze when doing things like applying for a new credit account, starting a new job, buying insurance, or applying for a rental home, and then refreeze it once you are finished.

    A credit freeze can always be in place to prevent fraud, but it’s especially important if your information was exposed in a data breach, or any other type of identity theft concerns.

    To place a credit freeze, you will need to contact all three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. When lifting the freeze, you can find out which bureau will be used for the credit check and only contact them.

  3. Don’t get scammed by online fun. It might seem fun to find out what cartoon character you are, but this is also a common fraud. Make sure you don’t share personal information with these types of apps or social media links.

    Giving your birthday or sharing your mother’s maiden name, your hometown, or the name of your favorite pet are also typical security questions for online access to accounts and passwords. When asked for personal information online, make sure it is for a legitimate reason and weigh the risk.

  4. Take advantage of multi-factor authorization when it’s offered. Multi-factor authorization (MFA) requires an additional security method after your password is provided. This is often a code sent to your phone or email, or an authorized app. Many banks and other agencies now require MFA and others strongly suggest it. It’s a good idea to take the opportunity for the extra level of protection when it is offered.
     
  5. Pay close attention to your accounts. Make sure your bank statements and online banking transactions are familiar. If you don’t recognize a charge, call your bank or card service provider immediately. You can also freeze or block the card on some mobile banking apps. The bank will likely require you to fill out a fraud report, but if not, it’s a good idea to create a fraud alert on your account. After an incident of fraud, change your banking passwords and review your account for any other fraudulent charges.

In today’s high-tech world, there are times our data gets out there even after our attempts to thwart it. If your information is compromised, remember there are people out there to help you. Call your bank and take action quickly to secure your accounts and limit any potential damage.

When to Give Your Social Security Number

Protect your Social Security number. Just because you are asked for it does not mean you have to provide it. Many businesses use your Social Security number as an identifier, but they may not actually need it. Always confirm that it is truly required before sharing it.

Common situations where your Social Security number may be required:

  • Employer: For tax reporting and employment records
  • Financial transactions: Applying for credit cards, loans, bank accounts, or certain large transactions that require IRS reporting
  • Government services: Social Security benefits, taxes, or public assistance programs
  • Insurance or healthcare services: For billing and identification purposes
  • Credit checks: When a business needs to review your credit history