09/23/2024
Staying Safe Financially
Every day, we hear of a new data breach, financial scams, and fake accounts. I don’t think one can be 100% protected against financial or data breaches, but one can do some things. Here is a list of items to consider. The list does not cover everything but can be used to get you started. Stay informed by keeping up with financial news. One of my favorite ways to stay updated is by listening to the Clark Howard podcast (30 minutes daily on many financial topics).
1. Put a Credit Freeze on at all three credit bureaus. Credit Freeze Link
2. Lock your Social Security number. SSN Lock link
3. Do not mail checks! I recommend only handing checks to people or firms. Mail has been compromised, and checks have been taken and used to withdraw funds.
4. Passwords—Please do not use the same password on every site. Use long, complicated passwords. Take advantage of sites that have secondary forms of verification, such as texts to your phone or using an app such as Duo or Authy.
5. You may want to consider a password manager. Unfortunately, even those have had data breaches. Do not use a free one! I use Keeper and have heard it is one of the better ones.
6. Consider a service such as Eversafe. Eversafe Link I learned about this service during a recent webinar and am trying it for a free trial. This could be an excellent service for children/trusted friends to ensure their seniors' safety as they age and keep track of potential issues for themselves. So far, I have been notified of my data on the dark web, including passwords (old, luckily). I have also received notices when transactions have occurred outside my usual location. So far, These have all been approved transactions when I traveled, but I like that it checks to verify. If my parents were alive and I had this service, I would love to know when an odd financial transaction occurred. Yes, you have to give up privacy and, again, could open up another data breach opportunity, but I feel the risk is worth the benefit. A 20% discount is available for our clients if you use promotion code SAFE34614 when enrolling.
7. Be safe on any dating sites or apps. The scammers know people are looking for love and can be very vulnerable. Stay on the site or app when talking with new contacts. Please do not give out your phone number, email address, or other personal information until you have met them in person (do your online research on them first, meet in a public place, and let someone know who you are meeting, where, and when).
8. Do not keep large amounts of funds in your bank accounts. Too many clients/friends have had funds taken from their bank accounts. I recommend keeping them at either an online bank or, preferably, a brokerage account. All can be scammed, but I have seen fewer scams at locations that do not have physical branches.
9. Get an IRS PIN to file your tax return. IRS PIn Link Thieves like to use your SSN to file ahead of you and take any refunds due to you.
10. Keep your phone and computer updated with the most recent updates. Use a VPN when away from home. Avoid public Wi-Fi – use your hotspot on your phone instead. Do not plug into USB access ports. Use an electric plug.
11. Watch for any unusual items at the gas pump or ATM where you put your card. Sign up for text alerts when your credit or debit cards are used.
1. Put a Credit Freeze on at all three credit bureaus. Credit Freeze Link
2. Lock your Social Security number. SSN Lock link
3. Do not mail checks! I recommend only handing checks to people or firms. Mail has been compromised, and checks have been taken and used to withdraw funds.
4. Passwords—Please do not use the same password on every site. Use long, complicated passwords. Take advantage of sites that have secondary forms of verification, such as texts to your phone or using an app such as Duo or Authy.
5. You may want to consider a password manager. Unfortunately, even those have had data breaches. Do not use a free one! I use Keeper and have heard it is one of the better ones.
6. Consider a service such as Eversafe. Eversafe Link I learned about this service during a recent webinar and am trying it for a free trial. This could be an excellent service for children/trusted friends to ensure their seniors' safety as they age and keep track of potential issues for themselves. So far, I have been notified of my data on the dark web, including passwords (old, luckily). I have also received notices when transactions have occurred outside my usual location. So far, These have all been approved transactions when I traveled, but I like that it checks to verify. If my parents were alive and I had this service, I would love to know when an odd financial transaction occurred. Yes, you have to give up privacy and, again, could open up another data breach opportunity, but I feel the risk is worth the benefit. A 20% discount is available for our clients if you use promotion code SAFE34614 when enrolling.
7. Be safe on any dating sites or apps. The scammers know people are looking for love and can be very vulnerable. Stay on the site or app when talking with new contacts. Please do not give out your phone number, email address, or other personal information until you have met them in person (do your online research on them first, meet in a public place, and let someone know who you are meeting, where, and when).
8. Do not keep large amounts of funds in your bank accounts. Too many clients/friends have had funds taken from their bank accounts. I recommend keeping them at either an online bank or, preferably, a brokerage account. All can be scammed, but I have seen fewer scams at locations that do not have physical branches.
9. Get an IRS PIN to file your tax return. IRS PIn Link Thieves like to use your SSN to file ahead of you and take any refunds due to you.
10. Keep your phone and computer updated with the most recent updates. Use a VPN when away from home. Avoid public Wi-Fi – use your hotspot on your phone instead. Do not plug into USB access ports. Use an electric plug.
11. Watch for any unusual items at the gas pump or ATM where you put your card. Sign up for text alerts when your credit or debit cards are used.