Cybersecurity – Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft and Fraud
Multi Factor Authentication
- Use 2 factor authentication whenever possible to help prevent unauthorized access
- Several app-based programs (Microsoft Authenticator, Symantec VIP) are available, in addition to SMS and voice call. Confirm which options are offered by your account provider when you’re enrolling in services and regularly thereafter to capture any updated security offerings.
Credit Monitoring
- Get your free credit reports from https://www.annualcreditreport.com/. Regularly check for any accounts or charges you don’t recognize.
- Consider placing a free credit freeze. A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. Credit freezes and fraud alerts can protect you from identity theft or prevent further misuse of your personal information if it was stolen
- A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which means you — or others — won’t be able to open a new credit account while the freeze is in place. You can temporarily lift the credit freeze if you need to apply for new credit. When the freeze is in place, you will still be able to do things like apply for a job, rent an apartment, or buy insurance without lifting or removing it.
- If you place a freeze, be ready to take a few extra steps the next time you apply for a new credit card or cell phone – or any service that requires a credit check.
- If you decide not to place a credit freeze, at least consider placing a fraud alert.
- A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. Contact any one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You don’t have to contact all three. The credit bureau you contact must tell the other two to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- Continue to check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com. You can check your reports every week for free.
- Report identity theft and get a recovery plan: IdentityTheft.gov
Credit Bureau Contacts
Contact the national credit bureaus to request fraud alerts, credit freezes (also known as security freezes), and opt outs from pre-screened credit offers.
Custodian Information
https://www.schwab.com/schwabsafe
If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, please contact Schwab immediately at 888-3-SCHWAB.
https://www.fidelity.com/why-fidelity/security-protection
If your account is blocked or compromised call Fidelity at 800-544-6666
Practice Good Hygiene for Financial Security
- Keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards, and any other documents that have personal information in a safe place. When you decide to get rid of those documents, shred them before you throw them away.
- If you’re logging in to an online account, use a strong password. Add multi-factor authentication for accounts that offer it.
- If you get statements with personal information in the mail, take your mail out of the mailbox as soon as you can.
- Keep your antivirus and system software current
Capital Investment Counsel, LLC | 600 Grant St., Ste. 450 Denver, CO 80203 |
303.381.0200
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