Don't be too hard on yourself; it can happen to anyone. Here’s how to recover, protect yourself, and stop it from happening again.

It can all happen in an instant. The caller sounds urgent and convincing, and suddenly, your Social Security number slips out. Or perhaps the scammer spent time building trust, masquerading as a representative from a legitimate institution, leading you to feel comfortable disclosing sensitive information.

Does this sound familiar?

Unfortunately, we're surrounded by scams, and the recent pandemic has exacerbated the problem. Reports show losses from coronavirus scams exceeding $100 million, with many states seeing a surge in COVID-19-related fraud complaints. Scammers target all types of personal information, as nothing is too insignificant for them. “To experienced scammers, every detail can be invaluable,” notes an identity theft expert. “They’re looking to create a more believable version of you.”

Commonly sought information includes your Social Security number and date of birth, which are often easily accessible. “Everyone’s data is out there. The key is figuring out how to safeguard it and what steps to take if it gets compromised,” advises a cybersecurity specialist.

FREEZE YOUR CREDIT

Most thieves aim to misuse your information for fraudulent credit applications, making a credit freeze your first line of defense. “A credit freeze is the most effective measure to prevent new account fraud,” emphasizes a security CEO.

This freeze can be initiated with the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and prevents access to your credit report. By freezing your credit, neither lenders nor fraudsters can view your information until you decide to unfreeze it, stopping anyone from opening new credit accounts under your name.

Reach out to each bureau—online, by phone, or via mail—to request a free credit freeze. It’s vital to contact all three bureaus—here’s how to do it.

A credit freeze is essential not only after a compromise but also as a preventative measure. Even if you haven’t fallen victim to a scam yet, it's wise to freeze your credit and your children’s as well. We’re all at risk.

Freezing your credit is a crucial step towards better security, but it’s not the only one. “Don’t think that freezing your credit means a scammer can’t do more damage,” warns the expert.

MONITOR ALL ACCOUNTS

Next, keep an eye on all your accounts. “While a credit freeze prevents new account fraud, most fraud occurs on existing accounts, so you need to monitor them closely and set up alerts wherever possible,” explains the cybersecurity expert.

CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS

Changing your passwords is another vital step, even if you think they’re secure. “For any important accounts, enable multi-factor authentication and activate all available alerts,” suggests the identity theft specialist.

Consider whether you’re using the same password across multiple accounts. If yes, it’s time to change that.

“Adopting strong password practices is essential. I recommend using a password manager,” advises the cybersecurity expert.

CONSIDER IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION SERVICES

Investing in identity theft protection services, such as LifeLock, can safeguard your sensitive information. They offer monitoring and alerts for suspicious activities, and if your data is compromised, they often provide restoration services with specialists who fix stolen identities, according to security professionals.

UNDERSTANDING SCAMMING PSYCHOLOGY

It’s easy to be misled. “When we see terms like ‘SSA’ or ‘IRS’, we often trust the caller immediately,” explains the cybersecurity expert. “What we must remember is to trust but verify.”

If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a call, ask the representative to send you an email at their official address. Scammers will typically insist on keeping you on the line. “If they say ‘Don’t hang up,’ that’s your cue to hang up,” advises the expert.

Moreover, remember that neither the Social Security Administration nor the IRS makes unsolicited calls. “No legitimate organization will demand payment over the phone—whether it’s the IRS, SSA, credit card companies, or debt collectors. You’re never obligated to provide your Social Security number or make a payment via phone. My top tip? Just say no,” recommends the identity theft expert.

MINIMIZING VULNERABILITIES

Older adults are particularly susceptible to scams, stresses the cybersecurity expert. If you have elderly relatives, discuss potential scams with them and establish protective measures.

Encourage seniors to have a trusted friend or family member they can consult when faced with suspicious calls. “Scammers often isolate their victims, making it hard for them to hang up or question the scenario,” the expert explains.

Engaging a buddy can help slow down the process, allowing for critical reflection on the situation. “Pause and assess how reasonable the request is. Never act out of fear,” advises the expert. Desperation can lead to poor decisions, which scammers exploit.

Scammers often approach you with an urgent issue that requires immediate action, whether it’s providing information, access, or money. Always question: Have I interacted with this person before? Are they presenting an urgent problem? If so, be cautious.

“Falling for a scam can serve as a wake-up call. It highlights the need for vigilance and serves as a reminder to enhance your security practices,” says the identity theft expert. “Consider it an opportunity to reassess your security and privacy.”

“People often hesitate to discuss being scammed due to shame and self-blame,” notes the cybersecurity expert. “We need to shift this narrative. The blame lies solely with the scammer.”