You can find Wi-Fi almost anywhere these days. Identity thieves can steal your information whenever you have an internet-enabled device in public. Be alert.

• Having the latest security software, operating system, web browser and apps can help protect you from malware and other threats you may encounter when using Wi-Fi.
• Do not assume that the Wi-Fi connection is secure. Many hotspots do not encrypt the information you send on the Wi-Fi network.
• Do not log in to accounts especially financial accounts, when using public wireless networks.
• Do not log on to sites that do not seem legitimate. Clues for this could include the URL being misspelled or not matching the name that you were given by the place of business.
• Be wary of free Wi-Fi connections. It is not uncommon for cybercriminals to set up a Wi-Fi network called “Free Wi-Fi” in airports, hotels and other public places. A cellular connection is generally safer than a Wi-Fi connection.
• Consider turning off features on your computer or mobile devices that allow you to automatically connect to Wi-Fi.

Phishing: Scammers use email or text messages to send fraudulent requests to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers.

Protect Yourself from Phishing Attempts:

1. Use security software on your computer. Have it update automatically.
2. Protect your cell phone by setting updates to run automatically to offer protection against potential threats.
3. Use multi-factor authentication on your accounts if available.
4. Back up your data regularly to an external hard drive or in the cloud. Back up your phone too.

Vishing is the fraudulent practice of making phone calls or leaving voice messages claiming to be from a reputable company to encourage individuals to reveal personal information, such as bank details and credit card numbers.

Consumers may be sent a voice or text message with transaction details and requesting they confirm this information. When they respond, they may be questioned for account details, or they may be asked to call back a number to provide account information.

Recommendations:

1. Never give out personal information over the phone if you haven’t initiated the call.
2. Verify phone numbers before you call a company.
3. Don’t answer calls from unknown phone numbers.
4. Always verify who you are talking to.

Gift Card Scams

This type of fraud is when a scammer asks you to pay for something with a gift card. You can be asked to purchase gift cards to pay a bill, a debt, fees, taxes or even to claim a prize. You should always say no. To learn more, watch this Gift Card Scam video from the Federal Trade Commission.

Choose a unique login
Avoid using your birthdate, address or Social Security number. Use different passwords for other sites.

Keep your login private
Do not share it.

Check your balance often
Check the balance of your online account on a regular basis.

Update your software
Make sure your computer or laptop is protected with a good security software program and antivirus software.

Secure your internet connection
If you have a wireless network at home, activate the security settings on your router to prevent outsiders from accessing your network.

Avoid public computers
Avoid accessing your online banking account from a public computer. If you need to, do not leave it unattended and always log out right after you've finished your banking session.

Keep these tips in mind to keep your personal information safe.

• Keep your Social Security card and passport in a safe place. Do not carry them with you unless absolutely necessary.
• Limit the amount of identifying information, including credit cards, you carry.
• Shred all financial information, such as unsolicited loan applications and account statements.
• Do not give out information by phone, unless you initiated the call or know the person.
• Pay attention to billing cycles and review monthly statements.
• Report lost or stolen checks to your credit union immediately.
• Closely guard your ATM Personal Identification Number (PIN) and shred ATM receipts.

Card Skimming – Simple Tips for Protecting Your Card Information

Card skimming is a very real threat to Americans’ finances. Skimming works by replacing a card reader like an ATM or gas pump terminal with a camouflaged counterfeit card reader.

The counterfeit reader records all the data on the magnetic strip of a credit or debit card as it passes through the skimmer. This information, copied onto another blank card's magnetic stripe, is then used by an identity thief to make purchases or withdraw cash in the name of the actual account holder. Here are a few simple tips to keep your card secure. 

1. Go inside to pay if you can.

   Skimmers are typically installed at unmanned, outside terminals. 

2. Choose wisely. Pick ATMs that are inside buildings and use gas pumps at brightly lit gas stations.

   Thieves need to access the terminal inconspicuously to install a skimmer. A busy, well-lit terminal is less likely to be compromised.

3. Jiggle the card reader.

   Skimming devices are designed to be removable, real card readers are not. Jiggle the card reader. If it moves, don’t use the machine.

4. Check for security stickers.

   Some gas stations have security stickers on their pumps. If the seal has been tampered with, the words "Security Seal" will be faded and you’ll see the word VOID on part of the red tape.

5. Cover your hand when you type your PIN.

   Thieves sometimes use a concealed camera to capture PIN numbers. Cover your hand as you type your PIN to block the view of any hidden cameras.

6. At gas stations, use a credit card.

   Debit cards compromised by skimming may give thieves the ability to withdraw cash from your bank accounts. With credit cards, your exposure is limited to your credit card limit, and these funds are often easier to recover from institutions.

7. Keep an eye on your account transactions.

Reporting fraud promptly is very important. Many card companies offer text or email alerts for transaction thresholds so you can monitor your transactions as they happen.

Common Scams

Identity thieves rely on some common, old-fashioned techniques to get your information, such as stealing your wallet, going through your garbage to find personal documents or sending malware to your email. You already know how to protect yourself against those scams: keeping an eye on your wallet or purse, shredding anything with personal information on it, and not clicking on spam emails or pop-ups.

But what about some of the new ways identity thieves are getting their hands on your information? With advances in technology, there are many new methods for criminals to steal your information. Here are a few of the most popular scams and what you can do to protect yourself from them.

Pay with Bitcoin

Cryptocurrency is on the rise, and scammers are trying to take advantage. Top scams include:

• Blackmailing: Someone threatens an alleged affair or having something embarrassing on you and demands Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency in exchange for keeping quiet.
• Online chain referral schemes: Think of these like a chain letter in which you’re promised you’ll make cryptocurrency if you can recruit other people into the chain – if only you’ll pay for the right to recruit those people.
• Bogus investment or business opportunities: Someone might offer you investment or business opportunities that promise to make big money.

Protect yourself: Don’t invest in anything without researching the company, person or website first. Don’t be intimated by high-pressure tactics and demands to pay immediately. Report all cryptocurrency scams to the local police, FBI and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Fake Tech Support

This typically starts with someone calling you claiming to be with Microsoft or Windows tech support and saying viruses have been detected on your computer. They’ll then ask you to call up a website and follow instructions, which may appear to show viruses being eliminated. In reality, malware is being installed to steal usernames, passwords and other personal data. Or, you could get a pop-up on your screen saying a virus has been detected and “call this number right away!”

Protect yourself: Hang up the phone. Neither Microsoft nor Windows make unsolicited phone calls and certainly aren’t closely monitoring your personal computer.

For pop-ups, never call the number on the ad. If you’re concerned, call your computer manufacturer’s tech support number directly. Keep your software updated, which is free and includes new security updates built in.

Fake Tax Filing

As if filing your taxes isn’t stressful enough, some people get an unpleasant surprise when they find out an identity thief has already claimed their refund. In some cases, cybercrooks use stolen personal information to file a fake return, and then transfer “your” money onto a prepaid debit card. More rarely, victims get emails claiming their tax information was incomplete. The emails include a link that takes them to a fake IRS site and prompts them to enter their personal information.

Protect yourself: The IRS doesn’t contact taxpayers by email; any such solicitation is fake. An IRS notice informing a taxpayer that more than one return was filed in the taxpayer’s name or that the taxpayer received wages from an unknown employer may be the first tip off of victimization. Contact the IRS right away if you believe this happened to you. 

Remember, financial institutions, credit card companies and billing companies will never email or call you asking for your personal information. Don’t click on links in emails; instead, always go to a company’s site by typing in the web address. If you ever get a suspicious email or phone call, do not reply, hang up and call the company at a trusted number right away. 

Source: Time: Moneyland; FTC.gov; AARP;