Protecting Your Identity: A Comprehensive Guide

Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital age. With the increasing amount of personal information shared online, it’s crucial to understand how identity theft happens, what thieves can do with your personally identifiable information (PII), and how you can protect yourself. At O1ne Mortgage, we care about your financial security and are here to help you navigate these challenges. If you need any mortgage services, don’t hesitate to call us at 213-732-3074.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information to impersonate another person. This can lead to identity fraud, where the stolen identity is used to commit crimes. Here are some common ways identity theft can happen:

• Data breaches: Attackers may expose your personal information and sell it on the dark web.
• Lost or stolen possessions: Thieves can steal your wallet, phone, mail, or other documents containing personal information.
• Malware: Malicious software can infect your devices, allowing attackers to control them and access your information.
• Unsecured browsing: Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks or scam websites can expose your information to attackers.
• Phishing: Criminals use email, text, or voice messages to trick you into sharing personal information or installing malware.
• Card skimming: Skimming devices can steal information from your debit and credit cards.
• Family or friends: Sometimes, identity theft can occur when someone close to you uses your personal information without consent.

What Is Personally Identifiable Information?

Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that can distinguish one person from another. Some PII, like your Social Security number or biometric data, can directly identify you. Other PII, such as your birthplace or email address, can help distinguish you when combined with other information. Common types of PII include:

• Full name
• Home address
• Birth date
• Email address(es)
• Phone number
• Social Security number (SSN)
• Mother’s maiden name
• Biometric data
• Medical records
• Passport number
• Military credentials
• Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
• Driver’s license number
• Educational records or information
• Credit or debit card numbers
• Employment information
• Insurance information

What Can Identity Thieves Do With Your PII?

Identity thieves can use your PII in various ways to commit fraud and other crimes. Some common methods include:

• Selling your PII: Thieves may sell your information on the dark web or social media.
• Taking over accounts: Criminals can take control of your bank, credit card, phone, ecommerce, and loyalty program accounts to steal funds or use your points.
• Using your account without permission: Fraudsters may convince your card issuer to add them as an authorized user or your bank to mail them a checkbook.
• Applying for new accounts: Thieves can open new credit cards, bank accounts, or loans in your name.
• Getting medical procedures: Medical identity theft can occur if someone uses your health insurance for medications or procedures.
• Filing tax returns: Tax fraud involves using your PII to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds.
• Applying for government benefits: Criminals can use your information to apply for unemployment or other benefits.

These are just a few examples of how identity thieves can use your PII. It’s essential to stay vigilant and protect your information to prevent these types of fraud.

How to Protect Your Personally Identifiable Information

Protecting your PII requires ongoing effort, but there are several steps you can take to stay safe:

Protecting Your PII Online

• Create unique and strong passwords for all your accounts, especially those with PII. A password manager can help you manage them.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) to secure your accounts even if some of your PII is compromised.
• Install the latest updates for your computer and mobile devices.
• Avoid logging in to your accounts while using public Wi-Fi networks or someone else’s device.
• Learn how to spot and avoid phishing emails.

Protecting Your PII Offline

• Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your SSN on a form without double-checking that it’s required.
• Add passwords to all your devices.
• Retrieve your mail from your mailbox promptly.
• Shred documents containing PII before disposing of them.
• Don’t respond to text messages or phone calls asking for PII, even if they appear to be from legitimate sources.
• Request a free Identity Protection PIN from the IRS.

What to Do if Your PII Is Compromised

Even if you follow best practices, mistakes can happen, or a data breach could expose your PII. Here are some steps to take if your information is compromised:

• Regularly check your account statements for unusual activity.
• Look for unexpected statements, bills, or application rejection letters in the mail.
• Add transaction or balance notifications to your credit card and bank accounts.
• Sign up for free credit monitoring services.
• Freeze your credit or place a fraud alert on your credit reports.

If you suspect or know someone has used your identity, notify the Federal Trade Commission using IdentityTheft.org, your local police department, and the organization where the fraud occurred.

See if Your PII Is Already on the Dark Web

Data breaches have compromised many people’s PII, and there’s a chance your information could be in a criminal’s hands. You can check if your SSN, email, or phone number is on the dark web with a free dark web scan. Additionally, you can use Experian’s personal privacy scan to see what PII is publicly available. For ongoing monitoring, consider a program like Experian IdentityWorksSM, which can quickly alert you if your PII is found online.

At O1ne Mortgage, we understand the importance of protecting your personal information. If you have any questions or need assistance with mortgage services, please call us at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you secure your financial future.