A wide-ranging study on identity theft found that the number of identity theft victims jumped by eight percent in 2017, making more than 16 million consumers in the US who’ve been affected by this form of fraud.
The study, released by Javelin Strategy and Research, found that industry attempts to reduce identity theft have been largely unsuccessful, with 1.3 million more people falling victim to the schemes in 2017, resulting in the loss of nearly $17 billion.
One interesting trend,...
If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to step up your security and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft or other fraud schemes, the AARP Fraud Watch Network has a few tips for you.
The company has laid out their seven-step system for scam-proofing yourself in the New Year. These steps will help consumers make smarter choices and be aware of potential scams or fraud schemes throughout the year.
1. Consider freezing your credit file. Even if you have no reason to...
Keeping our identities secure becomes more and more difficult with each passing year, as technology makes it easier and easier for others to attempt to gain access to your credit card information. While some instances of identity theft and credit card fraud cannot be avoided (for example, when hackers break into a major financial institution's servers), for many, the risk of credit card fraud is augmented by certain behaviors and actions. You can minimize these instances where you could be...
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It used to be that identity theft meant an unauthorized purchase on a credit card. But criminals have advanced alongside technology and suddenly identity theft can involve a stolen Social Security number used for filing false medical claims or applying for mortgages. When you swipe your card at the ATM, gas pump, or in the RedBox for your next video rental, how do you know there isn't a fake front added to the swiper - capturing your credit card number and pin?
You'll know when you...