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Hackers might be able to break into computers, but well-trained attackers can trick you into willingly giving them information and money. These types of tricks are commonly called social engineering. When a person or company says they got hacked, there’s usually an element of non-technical trickery involved. Learning how to detect various types of social […]
What Is Social Engineering and How Can You Protect Yourself? Read More »
Generally speaking, it’s probably a bad idea to borrow money from a stranger on the internet. While it rarely might be possible to safely get financial help or a loan, a stranger’s offer to lend you money could also be the first step of a more complex scam. It might be just as easy—and much
Is It Safe to Borrow Money from Strangers Online? Read More »
Personally identifiable information (PII) is information about you that helps to tell you apart from everyone else. These unique identifiers include your Social Security number (SSN), address, date of birth, email addresses and phone number. You use your personal information to identify yourself to governments as well as banks, creditors and other businesses. For example,
What Is Personally Identifiable Information? Read More »
If you lost money in the cryptocurrency implosion, crypto-recovery scammers would love to add to your losses. The crypto industry’s complexity, lack of regulation and abundant cash have proven irresistible to resourceful, technically sophisticated fraudsters. Following the 2022 crypto crash, criminals added bogus crypto recovery services to the list of ploys they use for emptying
How to Avoid Crypto Loss-Recovery Scams Read More »
Peer-to-peer payment platforms and apps can be a secure, fast and easy way to send and receive payments, but you want to be aware of the risks. Even if you don’t have to worry about the platform itself being hacked, many scammers use these apps to trick people into sending them money. And, if you
Is It Safe to Use Peer-to-Peer Payments? Read More »
Credit repair organizations might promise quick fixes that will remove negative marks from your credit history and increase your credit scores. But some credit repair companies are landing clients in hot water instead. Over the years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have filed complaints and taken actions against credit
How to Spot and Avoid Credit Repair Scams Read More »
If you’re the victim of identity theft, there are five steps you should take right away to help hamper the thief’s actions and limit your exposure. You can then focus on recovering your identity and putting protections in place to reduce the chance of someone using your identity in the future. 5 Steps to Take
5 Steps to Take After Identity Theft Read More »
Placing a fraud alert on your credit report can help protect you from criminals trying to open credit accounts in your name—but it doesn’t last forever. Initial fraud alerts and active-duty alerts expire after one year, and extended fraud alerts remain on your credit reports for seven years unless you request the alert to be
Do Fraud Alerts Expire? Read More »
Children and teens today live much of their lives online, which makes them prime targets for online scams. Cyber fraud is growing faster among victims aged 20 and under than any other age group, according to data from the Internet Crime Center. Scams that target children include everything from fake scholarships and contests to online
11 Common Scams Targeting Children and Teens Read More »
To increase security, many companies now require you to enter a code that’s texted to your phone when you try to log in from a new device or make changes to your account. It’s an important security feature called multi-factor authentication that can keep hackers and fraudsters out of your account—but it could also backfire.
How to Protect Yourself From SIM Swapping and Porting Scams Read More »
A bank safe deposit box can help you protect important documents, sentimental objects and valuables from fire and theft. Whether or not you need a safe deposit box comes down to your personal situation, but in many cases, safe deposit boxes aren’t necessary. Their usefulness for safekeeping objects may be outweighed by their lack of
Do You Need a Safe Deposit Box? Read More »
SSL (secure sockets layer) technology can help keep the information you send online private and secure. Fortunately, many websites automatically enable this type of secure connection, and there’s nothing you need to download or install to benefit. For example, those who use the Experian website are provided a secure connection by default, and the same
Why a Secure Internet Connection Is Important, But Isn’t Foolproof Read More »
Dear Experian, As a member of the Army currently overseas, what can I do to protect my credit? I heard something about placing an “active-duty alert” on my credit that only allows credit to be opened if I directly approve. – MCL Dear MCL, Members of the armed forces on active duty can add an
Military Personnel Can Add an Active-Duty Alert Read More »