Financial Fundamentals Blog

Identity Theft: How to Stay Proactive and Lower Your Risk

  • 7 17 Staff
As we all know, the risk for identity theft is ever present. However, staying vigilant and being proactive in securing your information can help reduce that risk and eliminate headaches down the road. Here are a few steps that you can take to make your information more secure.

What is a Credit Report and Why Should You Check It?

  • 7 17 Staff
Your credit report might be the most important financial tool you have, but do you know why? Check out this primer on the basics of a credit report, and why it’s so essential to your financial life.

Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Which is Right for You?

  • 7 17 Staff
If you’re concerned about identity theft, it could be in your best interest to place a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert on your accounts. But, which one is right for you? Here’s what these tools are and how they work so that you can determine your next steps.

5 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  • 7 17 Staff
Working to achieve your financial goals can be a delicate balancing act, and even when you make your best effort, mistakes can happen. Let’s face it – we’re only human. What you don’t want is to let a mistake go uncorrected because it can have serious repercussions down the road. Let’s review five common money mistakes and their fixes.

Social Media Scams and How To Avoid Them

  • 7 17 Staff
Social media is a way to stay connected with family and friends, but it’s also become a popular place for fraudsters. In fact, social media scams were the most profitable avenue for scammers in 2021, with approximately 95,000 people reporting losses of about $770 million.

4 Most Common Types of Identity Theft and How to Protect Against Them

  • 7 17 Staff
Identity theft is the use of another person’s personal information, such as their name, address and Social Security Number (SSN) for personal gain. Identity theft can create many problems for those affected, including a decline in credit scores and finances. Those affected by identity theft may feel anxiety about their future...

Important credit card safety tips to protect your personal information

  • Francesca Sacco
It’s important to be proactive and keep your credit card information safe year-round to avoid identity theft. While safeguarding your credit cards often comes down to common sense, fraudsters are always on the hunt for passwords and PINs. If fraudsters are successful in gaining your personal information, it can prove to be...

Holiday Season Fraud Prevention

  • Francesca Sacco
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and with it comes the increased potential to fall victim to holiday season fraud. Keep your safety and security a priority by unwrapping our fraud prevention tips below.

How Fraudsters are Exploiting the Coronavirus and Ways to Protect Yourself

  • Francesca Sacco
Fraudsters are leveraging fears over the coronavirus (COVID-19) as an opportunity to scam financial institutions and individuals. Scams include phony websites, fake Go-Fund me accounts and phone calls and text messages that ask for personal information. While the best way to protect yourself is to remain vigilant, we’ve compiled some tips to help you safeguard your personal information.

What is tax-related identity theft?

  • Admin
In 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported that tax-related identity theft is on the decline. Even though its numbers are dropping, you should still be aware of it. With tax time rapidly approaching, let’s look at its signs and what you can do to protect yourself.

Fraud Watch: Holiday Scams to Avoid

  • Beth Ann Tabak
The National Retail Foundation (NRF) estimates that America’s retail sales are set to hit between $717 billion and $720 billion this Holiday season. It’s prime shopping season not just for those who want to make the season joyous for their friends and family, but also for those fraudsters looking to take advantage of the giving spirit. Here’s what to keep your eye on as the Holidays approach.
 

Protect yourself against identity theft

  • Beth Ann Tabak
In September of 2017, it was reported that Equifax, one of the nation’s three largest credit bureaus, had experienced a severe security breach. The personal data of nearly 150 million Americans was made vulnerable, exposed to hackers and scammers to use as they please.

While the initial sting of the breach has passed, its danger has not. We must all continue to protect our valuable personal information. Here’s how you can secure your personal data.