Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
The scams that target families and older relatives, the warning signs and what to do if one gets through.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Got an IRS Letter About Identity Theft? Start Here
Find the notice number, check the letter is real, and keep copies of everything. A calm order of operations before you act.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
An IP PIN Won't Stop Every Tax Scam, But It Makes Yours Harder to Steal
The IRS six-digit Identity Protection PIN blocks thieves who try to file a return with only your Social Security number, and knowing how to get and use it can save you a rejected return.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Credit Monitoring Is Not Identity Protection, and Neither Is a Lock
The two services sound alike, but one watches your credit reports and the other watches where your data surfaces, and both alert you only after something has already gone wrong.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Identity Theft Insurance: What You Are Actually Buying
Monitoring, recovery help and insurance often arrive bundled under one friendly label, so read the written terms and check free protections before paying anything.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
What Identity Protection Services Actually Promise
Monitoring alerts you after the damage starts, and insurance usually reimburses recovery costs rather than stolen money, so know what you are buying before you pay.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
When Someone Asks for Your Social Security Number, Check Before You Answer
Whether you must give your SSN depends on who is asking, and a few questions before you answer can show whether you have a choice at all.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
The Recycling Bin Is Not a Shredder
Old statements, medical bills and dead hard drives can hand a stranger more than you meant to give, so sort what you keep, destroy what you don't, and wipe what you sell.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
A Stranger Gets Your Texts After a SIM Swap: Spot It Early and Lock Things Down
Attackers can move your phone number to a device they control, and then receive the codes that guard your money and email.
- Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
When Your Email Gets Taken: Signs, Causes, and What to Do First
A hijacked inbox is often the first domino, so learn the warning signs, how attackers get in, and the order in which to respond.
By text
Kitchen-table money tips by text
Short money tips on credit, saving and staying safe from scams, about one a day.
More topics to explore
Credit Score EducationThe score, and the stories behind it
Credit Reporting & Consumer RightsWhat is on your report, and fixing it
Personal Finance TipsMoney moves for busy households
Budgeting & Money ManagementA family budget that lasts the month
Credit Card EducationCards at the checkout and on the statement
Consumer Financial NewsThe money news, over coffee
Cost of Living & InflationGroceries, rent and the paycheck
Banking & Savings EducationWhere the family money lives
Consumer Protection & Financial LiteracyYour rights as a customer