At our “digital hospital,” almost half of the issues we deal with every week involve malicious software attacks and identity theft. Criminals are becoming much more sophisticated in finding ways to trick you. Protecting yourself from identity theft is much easier when you turn good habits into part of your daily routine. Begin by collecting your (snail) mail every day. Leaving sensitive documents such as bank statements or credit card offers in your mailbox or mail slot overnight can make you an easy target for thieves. If you can’t always pick up your mail right away, consider installing a lockbox mailbox for added security. When sending out important mail, use official postal boxes instead of leaving items in your home mailbox, where they could be stolen.
Regularly monitoring your bank and credit card statements is another effective defense. Set a weekly reminder to review your statements and watch for any unfamiliar transactions, no matter how small. Many banks and credit card companies offer account alerts that notify you of large or unusual activity — make sure to take advantage of these features. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately to report it.
Freezing your credit is a powerful way to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. You can request a credit freeze for free by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — either online or by phone. Be sure to keep the PIN or password they provide in a safe place, as you’ll need it to temporarily lift or remove the freeze when you need to apply for credit.
Using strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts is essential. Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across different sites. A password manager can help you generate and safely store complex passwords, making it easier to keep track of them. For even more protection, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible so that even if someone gets your password, they’ll need a second form of verification to access your account.
When it comes to paperwork, don’t just throw documents with personal information into the trash. Invest in a cross-cut shredder and use it to destroy old bills, bank statements, pre-approved credit offers, prescription labels, insurance forms and anything else that contains sensitive details, especially your Social Security number.
Checking your credit reports at least once a year is another smart move. You can request a free report from each of the three credit bureaus annually at AnnualCreditReport.com. To keep an eye on your credit all year, consider staggering your requests — get one report every four months from a different bureau. Review your reports carefully for unfamiliar accounts or errors, and if you find anything suspicious, dispute it directly with the bureau.
Keeping your devices secure is also crucial in the fight against identity theft. Install reputable antivirus software on your computers and mobile devices, and set it to update automatically so you’re always protected against the latest threats. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, and use secure Wi-Fi networks, steering clear of public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
Finally, stay alert and help others do the same. Be cautious about unsolicited emails, texts or phone calls that ask for personal information, and always verify the identity of anyone making such requests by contacting the company directly through official channels. Take time to educate children and older adults in your family about online safety, including the importance of not sharing personal details or clicking on suspicious links. Sharing these tips with friends and family can help protect your entire community from the risks of identity theft. By making these practical steps part of your everyday life, you’ll build strong defenses and enjoy greater peace of mind.
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs.
Stephen Bach
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
