Identity theft is a real threat, but protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for personal information they can use to steal your identity, open accounts in your name, or even drain your bank account. 

The good news? A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your personal information safe. Let’s dive into five easy steps to prevent identity theft.

1. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts

One of the easiest ways to spot identity theft early is by regularly checking your bank, credit card, and online accounts. Set up email or text alerts for transactions so you can catch any suspicious activity right away. 

Reviewing your credit report at least once a year is also crucial. This helps you see if someone has opened an account in your name without your knowledge. The sooner you catch fraud, the easier it is to stop it.

2. Strengthen Your Passwords (and Actually Use Them!)

We get it—coming up with unique passwords for every account is a hassle. But using weak or repeated passwords is like leaving your front door wide open for identity thieves. Instead, create strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. 

If remembering them all sounds impossible, use a password manager to store them securely. And wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) so that even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get into your accounts.

3. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

Ever gotten an email that looked legit but asked you to click a weird link or enter personal details? That’s phishing—a scam where hackers pretend to be banks, social media platforms, or even your employer to steal your information. 

If an email, text, or phone call asks for sensitive details like your Social Security number or login credentials, be skeptical. Instead of clicking links, visit official websites directly to verify requests. If something feels off, trust your gut.

4. Be Mindful About What You Share Online

Think twice before posting personal information on social media. Cybercriminals can use details like your birthdate, address, and even your pet’s name (which many people use in passwords) to guess their way into your accounts. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts, and avoid sharing sensitive information, even in private messages.

5. Secure Your Devices and Documents

Your phone and computer store a treasure trove of personal data. Protect them by keeping software updated and installing antivirus programs to block malware. When using public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to keep hackers from intercepting your data. 

And don’t forget about paper documents—shred bank statements, medical records, and anything else containing personal information before tossing them out. It’s a simple habit that can prevent dumpster-diving fraudsters from stealing your identity.

Stay Safe with PrivacyHawk

Taking small steps now can save you from major headaches later. But identity thieves don’t just rely on hacking or phishing scams—they often get personal information from public databases and data broker sites. That’s where PrivacyHawk comes in.

PrivacyHawk helps protect you by scanning the internet for your exposed personal information and working to remove it from risky databases. Our service continuously monitors your digital footprint and helps you opt out of data broker lists that sell your information. By reducing your online exposure, you significantly decrease the chances of identity theft before it even happens.