Safe and Secure

Identity theft occurs when individuals gain access to your personal information, such as financial details, to exploit it for their gain. They may use this information to secure loans, make unauthorized purchases, or impersonate you for financial advantages. See below for strategies to avoid falling victim to identity theft.

These fraudulent schemes involve scammers posing as legitimate entities through emails, text messages, or phone calls. They aim to deceive you into disclosing personal information or providing access to your accounts, often leading to financial loss or identity theft.

Money mules are individuals recruited by criminals to transport or launder stolen funds. While some may be willing participants, others may unknowingly aid in fraudulent activities, often lured under the guise of work-from-home opportunities.

Scammers offer to purchase items or services, sending cashier's checks exceeding the agreed amount. They request refunds for the overpayment, hoping to exploit you into cashing or depositing the fraudulent check before it's identified as counterfeit.

These scams involve imposters impersonating trusted individuals to deceive you into sending money. Whether it's a grandparent claiming to be stranded or a fraudster posing as a familiar figure, vigilance is essential to avoid falling prey to these deceitful tactics.

Fraudsters exploit healthcare programs and insurance systems, submitting false claims or billing for unnecessary services. With the emergence of COVID-19, telehealth and telefraud schemes have surged, targeting individuals with fraudulent testing or treatment offers.

Beware of unsolicited solicitations related to mortgages or home warranties, as scammers may misrepresent themselves or exploit personal information. Take precautionary measures, such as researching companies and scrutinizing contract terms, to avoid falling victim to these deceptive practices.

• Evaluate if the offer seems too good to be true, as unrealistic promises are a common red flag.
• Conduct online research using the company or product name along with the term "scam" to uncover any potential fraudulent activities.
• Be cautious of communications with glaring spelling and grammar errors, as these are often indicative of scams.
• Exercise caution when asked to use unconventional payment methods such as cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers.
• Beware of urgency tactics or scare tactics employed by fraudsters to prompt immediate action without thorough examination of the legitimacy of the offer.

Identifying fraud can be challenging, as scammers often craft convincing schemes. Beware of urgency tactics or scare tactics employed by fraudsters to prompt immediate action without thorough examination of the legitimacy of the offer.

• Avoid disclosing personal information to unfamiliar individuals or entities.
• Ensure the security of Wi-Fi connections before accessing websites requiring personal information.
• Utilize strong passwords containing at least 8 characters, including a combination of numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Regularly monitor financial transactions for any unusual or unauthorized activity.
• Request your credit report annually through reputable services like annualcreditreport.com.

When venturing into the realm of online shopping, safeguarding your personal and financial information is paramount. From scrutinizing website security to exercising caution with unsolicited communications, staying vigilant is key to avoiding fraudulent schemes and protecting yourself from potential scams.

• Refrain from clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts, as they may lead to fraudulent websites or phishing attempts.
• Verify the security of websites before providing personal information or making purchases by checking for a trust seal and "https://" at the beginning of the web address.