Identity theft is very scary, and unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more common as people become more reliant on computers and the internet in the digital era. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are about 15 million Americans who fall victim to identity theft every single year, with the financial losses tied to their cases adding up to more than $15 billion. Additionally, there are about 100 million Americans who have their personal information compromised every year, which means that there’s a very good chance that you know someone who has been at risk for identity theft if you haven’t actually experienced it yet yourself.
While identity theft has clearly become a huge problem, the authorities are having a hard time keeping up with those who use it to steal money and information. Every time they crack one identity theft case, it seems that even more start to pop up. Plus, with the number of hacks into major corporations increasing, as well, even using secure portals and authenticated web access may not always be enough to keep you safe online.
Staying Protected
There are ways you can protect yourself from becoming an identity theft victim. For starters, you should get into the habit of changing the passwords for your various online accounts on a regular basis. Updating passwords on a schedule means that even if someone gains access or learns your password as the result of a hack, the password will no longer be valid within a few weeks.
Speaking of passwords, you should also avoid using the same password for all of your accounts. Using the same credentials may seem convenient, but if anyone is ever able to access your password, they could discover your other accounts and gain access to a wide range of accounts.
Finally, make sure that you are using a secure connection to the internet whenever you access it. Whether you spend most of your time online at home, at work, or out on the road, you should always use secure browsing and trusted networks. Transmitting information on an open, unsecured Wi-Fi network can expose you to risk, and there’s no need to inadvertently put your personal information out into the world. Know your connections and be selective at what information you transmit when not on a data network you trust.
Identity Theft Protection
There is one other step you should take, too. The Lewis Financial Group provides consumers with identity theft protection that allows them to keep their vital information as secure as possible. Outside of providing you with the information you need to stay safe, we can also provide you with credit and fraud monitoring, comprehensive credit reporting and much more. In the event that you run into issues with identity theft, we will help you recover quickly by restoring your identity and providing you with a personal advocate to work with reporting agencies and lenders. We can even cover certain expenses, including attorney fees, loan application costs and even lost wages in some instances.
Find out more about the full range services offered as part of our of identity theft protection coverage by calling The Lewis Financial Group today at 866-709-5206.
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