Four Ways to Protect Your Identity and Privacy Scams & Fraud
4 Free or Inexpensive Tools to Prevent Fraud
Thwart scammers by using Informed Delivery password managers alerts and more
AARP Thieves are experts at using technology to steal from us. I say, ‘Fight fire with fire.’ These four options provide strong protection against fraud. Sign up, if you haven’t already. Informed Delivery br
Cost: Free The U.S. Postal Service is now offering a terrific service: Each delivery day, it will send an email to you containing digital scans of the letter-size mail that will soon arrive at your box or door. The email also details packages that will arrive that day or soon. Now you can cross-check for mail theft or ask someone to pick up a package if you’re away. How to start: Sign up at . Robocall blocking
Cost: Free to $5 a month There are three ways to block . The first is to sign up for the federal Do Not Call Registry, which will limit the number of legal sales pitches you get. The second: Check with your phone’s service provider to see what it offers (providers are under pressure to step up protections against robocalls). The third is to sign up for a third-party robocall blocker. This software blocks most robocalls to your mobile phone; some can cover your home phone, too. Among the respected services are Nomorobo, YouMail, Truecaller and RoboKiller. How to start: Sign up for the or by phoning 888-382-1222 from the number you wish to protect. For third-party services, go to their websites, review the choices and follow the sign-up instructions. Password manager
Cost: Free to $120 a year I’ve probably exceeded 50 active passwords, what with all the retailers, services and social media accounts I use. Yet all my passwords are different. Keeping track is easy if you use a — software that creates unique, complex passwords for you and then stores them in a highly secure digital vault. Now you just need to remember one robust password to access all the rest. Plus, these services provide fraud alerts, secure auto-fill functions and more. How to start Popular password managers include , and . Typically you pay only if you want a more advanced service that covers several devices. You’ll sign up online or via an app; be ready to enter all your accounts. Bank credit alerts
Cost: Free Many banks offer a service in which they will email, text or call whenever your debit or credit card has been used, even if it’s for legitimate charges. The goal: You know immediately if someone who shouldn’t be tapping your account is doing so. You can set up the alerts for any amount. For credit cards I rarely use, I’ve set alerts to zero; that way I’m notified about any activity. I put higher dollar amounts on my high-use accounts so I don’t get bombarded. How to start Simply go to your bank’s website or visit a branch to get set up. can help you spot and avoid scams. Sign up for free , review our , or call our toll-free at 877-908-3360 if you or a loved one suspect you’ve been a victim. br
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