Facts To Help You Fight Identity Fraud (NAPSA)—The 2017 Identity Fraud Study byJavelin Strategy & Research revealed that the numberofidentity fraud victims increased by 16 percent in the last year, a record high. The study found that despite the efforts of the industry, fraudsters successfully netted 2 million more victims in 2016, with the amount fraudsters took rising by nearly $1 bil- lion, to $16 billion. On positive note, while fraudsters are becomingbetter at evading detection, ID FRAUD US victims ) Pe victims over 2015 ‘Soure: 2017etyFroudStuy, sven Sate& Reser, JAVELIN LifeLock leading to less stolen overall per attempt. Although identity fraud has hit a record high, with 15.4 million U.S. victims in 2016, you don’t have to be among them. growth or even decreases in fraud, this capability, such as Amazon, can make sters never rest, and when onearea is sters to take over your accounts. 3. Exercise good password habits— Passwords have remained the de facto first line of defense for most online ac- consumers with an online presence are getting better at detecting fraud quicker, “After five years of relatively small year’s findings drive home that fraudclosed, they adapt and find new ap- proaches,” said Al Pascual, senior vice president, research director and head of fraud & security, Javelin Strategy & Research. “Fraudsters are stealing your it significantly more difficult for fraud- counts, which has motivated criminals card information and other personal to compromise them wheneverpossible. Using unique passwords, one per each online shopping site and one for each sters, the industry needs to close secu- value to fraudsters of passwordsstolen. identity information and shopping online with it. To successfully fight fraud- rity gaps and continue to improve and consumers must be proactive, too” Five Safety Tips to Protect Consumers Its best to work with your bank, mobile phone carrier, online shopping sites and other companies to mini- bank account, you can help reduce the 4. Sign up for account alerts— Many consumers were able to detect fraud throughalerts. So join the crowd. A variety of financial service providers, including credit card issuers and bro- kerages, provide customers the option to receive notifications of suspicious activi- mize your risk of fraud. Here are five recommendations: 1. Be smart on social media—So- tection services such as LifeLock, which with your friends’ lives but can help ing credit reports for suspicious new ac- ty. Consider signing up for identity pro- cial media can help you keep up-to-date can provide security that’s difficult to get on your own,such as regularly monitor- fraudsters stay up-to-date, too. Fraud- counts and screeningfor sale of personal sters can learn when you're out at the movies or on vacation and the house is vacant, as well as your dog’s name, mother’s maiden nameandlots of other personal identity information. Review yoursocial media settings to make sure your profile is only visible to friends. Consider whether you post your vacation while you are gone or when you are back. Do not accept friend requests from people you don’t know. 2.Protect online shopping accounts—With fraud moving online, accounts with online shoppingsites are valuable targets. Enabling two-factor authentication on sites that have that information on the dark Web. 5. Seek help as soon as fraudis de- tected—The quicker you notify your financial institutions, credit card company, wireless carrier or other service provider that fraud has occurred, the sooner these organizations can act to limit the damage. Early notification can also help limit the liability of a victim in some cases, as well as allow more time for law enforcementto catch the fraudsters in theact. Additional Resources For a free, easy-to-use identity fraud risk assessment, visit www.lifelock.com/ risk-calculator.
