Staying Safe: How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Identity Theft
June 11, 2025
Scams are increasingly common, appearing through phone calls, emails, text messages, and websites that look legitimate. Whether scammers want to steal your personal information or gain access to your finances, taking a few simple actions to safeguard your identity and personal data can protect you from becoming a victim.
Freezing Your Credit Protects Your Identity
One of the most effective ways to protect your identity is to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. When your credit is frozen, no one can open a new credit account in your name until the freeze is lifted. This makes it much harder for identity thieves to take out loans or open credit cards using your information.
Freezing your credit is free and does not affect your current accounts or your credit score. If you plan to apply for a mortgage, finance a car, or open a new credit account, all you need to do is temporarily lift the freeze, often referred to as “thawing,” and then refreeze your credit afterward. This process adds an important layer of security and peace of mind.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords for Every Account
Using the same password across multiple sites can be risky. If one account is compromised, all your accounts using that password become vulnerable. Instead, consider creating long, complex, and unique passwords for every account you have in order to lower the risk of multiple accounts being compromised at the same time.
It is also a good idea to change your passwords regularly, especially on sensitive accounts such as your email, banking, and social media. Since it can be difficult to remember complex passwords for each account, consider using a password manager. Tools like 1Password, Dashlane, or LastPass securely store your passwords and can generate strong, random passwords for you. These can make managing your passwords easier and your accounts safer.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for Extra Protection
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra step to the login process by requiring a second form of verification, such as a temporary code in addition to your password. This means that even if someone has your password, they cannot access your account without the additional code.
A secure way to receive these codes is through an authentication app such as Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile, or Microsoft Authenticator. These apps generate time-based codes directly on your device, making them much harder to intercept than text messages, which can be compromised through tactics like SIM swapping. Whenever possible, enable multi-factor authentication on your important accounts, including email, banking, and social media.
Be Careful When Clicking on Links and Sharing Information
Scammers often send fake emails or messages that appear to be from trusted companies or government agencies. These messages may ask you to click a link or provide personal information. Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. If you receive a message asking you to verify your information, do not reply directly. Instead, visit the official website by typing the URL yourself or contact the company using a verified phone number.
Be vigilant for signs of phishing scams, including suspicious email addresses that do not align with the legitimate company’s domain, as well as the use of urgent or threatening language intended to provoke an immediate response. When in doubt, report the suspicious message directly to the legitimate company’s official reporting channel (typically found on their website). If the message appears to involve financial fraud or identity theft, you could consider contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.
Handle Unknown Calls with Caution
If you receive a call from an unknown number asking for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords, it is best to hang up immediately. Scammers often pretend to be from banks, government agencies, or other trusted organizations and create a false sense of urgency to pressure you into sharing information.
Never provide personal details over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity. If you want to verify the call, hang up and call back using a trusted phone number found on official documents or the organization’s website. Remember that caller ID can be faked, so independent verification is always safer.
Additional Tips to Stay Safe
- Regularly review your bank and credit card statements to spot any suspicious activity.
- Sign up for fraud alerts with your bank or credit bureaus to receive notifications of unusual transactions.
- Shred documents containing personal information before throwing them away.
- Avoid oversharing personal information on social media, which scammers can use to guess passwords or answer security questions.
- Educate yourself about common scams, such as lottery fraud, gift card payments, tech support scams, and IRS impersonation, so that you can recognize warning signs.
Final Thoughts: Vigilance Is Your Best Defense
Scammers create confusion and urgency to trick people into acting without thinking. The best protection is to slow down, verify information, and take deliberate steps to safeguard your data.
By employing some of these simple actions, you can start to build a strong defense against identity theft and scams. These basic, but powerful habits help keep your personal and financial information secure and provide peace of mind.
Stay informed and cautious. The best defense for your identity is preventing problems before they start.
Williams Asset Management and Commonwealth Financial Network® do not provide legal or tax advice. This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either investment or tax advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a financial advisor or tax preparer.
