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Uniquely You

How to Protect Your Identity Online

If there’s one financial issue that carries with it a high amount of risk, it’s identity theft — an issue that can carry long-term ramifications for you should you be caught up in the middle of it. In fact, in the last 10 years, there were around 9,600 reported data breaches in the U.S., resulting in more than 10 billion records stolen, according to data firm Comparitech.

Because there are numerous negative consequences of having your identity stolen, it’s important that you do everything you can to prevent having your identity compromised or stolen in the first place. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take — not only to prevent future fraud on your accounts, but to protect your digital footprint and create a safe haven for you to operate online at lower risk.

1SEARCH YOURSELF ONLINE

Do you know what information pops up when you search your own name? You may be surprised; everything from family members to home addresses and tax information could come up — and little bits of information can quickly lead to larger sources. Where you can, opt out of the sites that list information you don’t want made public; and for the future, remember that the internet has a memory that never forgets.

REPORT FRAUDULENT ACCOUNTS

If you happen to notice that there’s someone out there posing as you, or your social media account gets duplicated, report it immediately. It doesn’t take much for a well-meaning friend who thinks they are talking to you to give someone too much information.

DELETE THE OLD STUFF

If you have old accounts that you don’t use — be they social media, credit card, banking, or otherwise — get rid of them. Take the effort to delete the accounts, and remember that “deactivation” is not the same thing as “deletion.”

CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS

Using the same, familiar password across all of your online accounts may be convenient, but it’s also a recipe for disaster. Instead, make up unique passwords, usernames, or confirmation questions for each account you’re on. Then, keep track of them with an encrypted (coded in cipher) software program that protects your information.

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PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

When you’re online, be careful of what you’re sharing, and with whom. Double check your privacy settings on social media accounts, and avoid quizzes or apps that ask personal questions.

GET RID OF COOKIES

Cookies (the online kind) can be helpful to remember passwords and common information, but they can also put you at risk. These small files attach to each site you visit, storing information to make future visits quicker and easier, but can also store that information to be available to others, if they can find it. Adhere to a consistent schedule where you delete your online cookies and history, or opt for private browsing or incognito screens where possible.

READ THE FINE PRINT

Sure, no one wants to read the fine print in those Terms & Conditions pages, but skipping it is a good way to get yourself into trouble. Take the time to read through what privacy you are giving up when you sign up for something, and make sure that it’s worth the trade.

GET ADDED PROTECTION

Fortunately, there are options for extra protection on online accounts, and your banking accounts are no different. There are a number of apps and programs designed to help you keep an extra eye on your accounts, and offer additional protective measures as an added benefit. As a Spero Financial member, you can add the Protect+ package to any Spero checking account for $5 each month, which covers reimbursement costs in cases of ID theft, as well as credit reports, access to resolution services, and credit file monitoring.

When it comes down to it, your identity is one of the most important things you have, so make sure you protect it! If we at Spero Financial can help in any way, please let us know, and be sure to ask your member representative about how Protect+ can help you stay out of harm’s way. Visit www.spero.financial/protect-plus for all the details!

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