Protecting yourself from data breaches, identity theft, and even physical threats to you and your loved ones has never been more important. While eliminating these risks entirely is impossible, this website provides practical steps to significantly reduce your chances of becoming the next victim. Follow the guidance in each category below to safeguard yourself and others.
By filing your taxes as soon as possible, you are limiting the amount of time that a criminal can file a return using your information. Remember that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers electronically to requires personal or financial information. A common scam is for a criminal to impersonate the IRS in an attempt to get sensitive information from you.
Pay With Your Smartphone
Instead of paying with a traditional credit card, use Apple Pay or an Android equivalent everywhere you can. The app generates a one-use authentication code, good for the current transaction only. Even if someone stole that code, it wouldn't do them any good. And paying with a smartphone app eliminates the possibility of data theft by a credit card skimmer.
Beware of Public QR Codes
Some criminals place QR codes in public places to lure you to a malicious website, which they then use to steal your money or your payment information. Often, they'll place a fraudulent QR code over a legitimate one at a location like a parking lot. Examine the QR code for tampering before using it.
Check the Dark Web for Your Information
Check if your personal information has been compromised by visiting Have I Been Pwned. This service collects and analyzes data from data breaches and allows users to search for their own information by entering a username or email address. You can also sign up to be notified if your email address appears in future dumps.
Donate Anonymously to Charities
Donate to charities anonymously using a service like Silent Donor. It is legal for charities to share a donor’s personal information with other groups, which means one donation can quickly lead to unwanted solicitations from other charity groups.