Most Americans think they’ll never be victims of identity theft. Last year, 15 million of them were wrong.

In today’s digital world, identity theft is a real and frightening concern. Criminals are constantly finding new ways to steal personal information, which can lead to financial loss, damaged credit, and even legal troubles.

Fortunately, by taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Here we’ll explore the best strategies to protect yourself from identity theft, and we’ll start by sharing some scenarios to be aware of.

Common Identity Theft Scams

Criminals are constantly finding new ways to steal personal information. Maybe you’ve heard of cryptocurrency scams? Scammers make friends with you on social media, then offer to show you how to invest in crypto and reap big returns.

Don’t fall for it. They want your bank account and personal information and once they have it, they’ll empty your accounts.

Or maybe you’ve heard of the “Family Emergency” scam. Scammers use AI to impersonate your friends and family, then call you claiming a loved one needs money for an emergency. They’re counting on you to panic and send money because, well, how could you not?  Your grandson or granddaughter is in trouble!

Don’t fall for it. Contact your friend or family member using a landline or someone else’s cellphone before doing anything.

And then there’s the ever popular “Tech Support” scam. Criminals call to inform you they’ve detected a virus or malware on your computer and for a fee, they’ll fix it.

Don’t fall for it. Once you pay them, they’ve got your credit card information and they’ll install the very malware they warned you about leaving you vulnerable to all manner of viruses.

Here’s the bottom line: Don’t let anyone pressure you into sharing financial or personal information — no matter what stories they tell you.

If you get a call, ask for the information in writing and then call the company back using their official customer service number found on their website to confirm whether the call was legitimate.

Even better? Hang up.

Switch to Wireless That’s Committed to Its Customers’ Safety

And by wireless, we mean PureTalk. Veteran-led and committed to this country, PureTalk supports American jobs and operates 100% in the USA, including its call centers. The commitment doesn’t end there, though. They’re also committed to you – and your safety. With PureTalk, you can add Allstate Identity Protection to your plan to help safeguard sensitive information with identity, social security, credit fraud monitoring, and more. This is particularly crucial for older Americans, as they’re most vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Choose from three comprehensive plans and add up to 10 family members. And because it’s PureTalk, the price – as low as $4.99 a month – isn’t about protecting profits, it’s about protecting people.

Steps to Protect Your Identity and Data

There are several important steps you can take to keep your personal data out of the hands of cyber criminals. Follow them all and truly keep yourself safe.  

Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication: To strengthen security, create strong passwords using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring an additional verification step, such as a code sent to your phone.

Be wary of phishing scams: Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to trick you into revealing personal information. Scammers often pose as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unexpected emails or messages.

Secure your devices and network: Installing reputable antivirus and anti-malware software helps safeguard your phone, computer, and home Wi-Fi network. Keeping software updated regularly ensures that security vulnerabilities are patched. Using a strong password for your home Wi-Fi network and avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions also enhances security.

Freeze your credit: A credit freeze prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. If you suspect fraudulent activity, placing a fraud alert on your credit report can warn potential creditors.

Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly checking your account statements allows you to spot unauthorized transactions quickly. Setting up alerts through your bank can notify you of large or unusual transactions.

Add Allstate Identity Protection to your PureTalk plan: It’s easy to protect against identity theft when you add Allstate Identity Protection to your PureTalk plan. Choose from three comprehensive plans, pay one wallet-friendly bill. Plus: AMAC members get a free 3-year AMAC Membership when they switch and can chose an exclusive $10 plan just for them!

Sure, you love posting about your grandson’s Pre-K graduation and your daughter’s medical school acceptance, but sadly, sharing too much personal information on social media can make you an easy target for identity theft. To prevent it, limit the public sharing of details such as your full birthdate, address, or vacation plans, and adjust your privacy settings so only trusted individuals can view your posts. Finally, be cautious with online quizzes and surveys, as many are designed to collect personal information for malicious purposes.

Vigilance is Everything

Identity theft tactics are constantly evolving, so staying informed about the latest scams and security best practices is crucial. Keep up with new threats by following security news from sources you trust and don’t forget to share what you learn with family and friends.

By keeping your personal information secure, using strong passwords, monitoring your financial accounts, and staying vigilant against scams, you can minimize your risk and keep your identity safe.

Taking these steps today can save you from the financial and emotional distress of dealing with identity theft in the future.