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Holiday Travel and TSA Precheck Scams

Holiday Travel and TSA Precheck Scams

by | Nov 20, 2024 | Fraud, Holiday, idLock

Holiday Travel and TSA PreCheck Scams

Family Finances | FRAUD

Group of friends taking a selfie

Do you like waiting in airport security lines during the holidays? Most likely not. Scammers know this and send emails that look like they’re from TSA PreCheck, a service offered by TSA to speed things up. But it’s important to note, these emails are not from TSA. These emails want you to click a link that takes you to a scam website that looks like the official website. If you pay to “enroll” or “renew” your TSA PreCheck, you may not even know you’ve just paid a scammer until you arrive at the security line for your next flight.

How do you spot these scams?

First Time

If it is your first time applying for TSA PreCheck, you won’t pay any application fee online. You must complete the application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center.

Reminder: Only a scammer will ask you to pay online.

Renewing TSA PreCheck

If you’ve already enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you can renew and pay in-person or online. The real TSA does send out renewal reminder emails, but it is smart to always go directly to tsa.gov/precheck rather than clicking on any links.

Avoid Scammers

To avoid scammers, here are a few tips:

  • Don’t click links in unexpected emails or text messages
  • Don’t be rushed to make a payment
  • Always start at tsa.gov/precheck

Reminder: All TSA PreCheck sites are .gov, not a .com or .org

More information about enrollment: How do I apply for TSA PreCheck?

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by JVB. JVB does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. JVB does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. JVB does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. JVB recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.

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How to Use Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Use Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes: A Step-by-Step Guide

by | Oct 24, 2024 | Fraud, idLock

How to Use Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fraud

confused_girl_in_pink

In an increasingly digital world, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. With identity theft on the rise, two key tools can help safeguard your financial identity: fraud alerts and credit freezes. Both have their own purposes, but understanding how to use them effectively can give you peace of mind. Let’s look at each option and explore how to properly use them.

What Are Fraud Alerts?

A fraud alert is a notice placed on your credit report that signals to lenders and creditors they need to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new credit accounts.

There are two main types of fraud alerts:

  • Initial Fraud Alerts: Last for one year and are ideal if you suspect you've been a victim of fraud or if your personal information has been compromised.
  • Extended Fraud Alerts: Last for seven years and are available to individuals who have been confirmed victims of identity theft.

How to Place a Fraud Alert

Choose a Credit Bureau: You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert. The bureau you contact will inform the other two.

  • Provide Necessary Information: Be ready to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. You may also need to give details about why you are placing the alert.
  • Wait for Confirmation: After you place the alert, the bureau will send you confirmation and update your credit report accordingly.
  • Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your credit reports and accounts for any suspicious activity during the duration of the fraud alert.

What Are Credit Freezes?

A credit freeze is a more stringent measure that restricts access to your credit report. This means that no one, including you, can open new credit accounts in your name until you lift the freeze. It’s an effective way to prevent identity thieves from using your information to secure loans or credit cards.

How to Place a Credit Freeze

  • Contact Each Credit Bureau: Unlike a fraud alert, you must request a credit freeze from each of the three major credit bureaus individually.
  • Provide Your Information: Similar to placing a fraud alert, you’ll need to provide personal information and possibly answer some security questions.
  • Monitor Your Credit Reports: While your credit report is frozen, it’s a good idea to continue monitoring it for any existing accounts that may show suspicious activity.
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    When to Use Fraud Alerts vs. Credit Freezes

    • Use Fraud Alerts if you suspect your information has been compromised but are not ready to prevent all access to your credit report. It’s a good first step to add a layer of protection without completely restricting your credit activities.
    • Use Credit Freezes if you are certain that you’ve been a victim of identity theft or if you simply want the highest level of protection for your credit. This is particularly useful if you don’t plan on applying for new credit in the near future.

      When to Use Fraud Alerts vs. Credit Freezes

      • Use Fraud Alerts if you suspect your information has been compromised but are not ready to prevent all access to your credit report. It’s a good first step to add a layer of protection without completely restricting your credit activities.
      • Use Credit Freezes if you are certain that you’ve been a victim of identity theft or if you simply want the highest level of protection for your credit. This is particularly useful if you don’t plan on applying for new credit in the near future.

      Lifting a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

      Lifting a Fraud Alert

      You can easily lift a fraud alert by contacting the credit bureau where you placed it and following their instructions. You can choose to remove it entirely or extend it if needed.

      Lifting a Credit Freeze

      To lift a credit freeze, contact each bureau online, by phone, or by mail. You can temporarily lift it for a specific creditor or permanently remove the freeze.

      Final Thoughts

      Understanding and utilizing fraud alerts and credit freezes can significantly enhance your financial security. While they serve different purposes, both tools are essential in the fight against identity theft. Taking proactive steps today can help you protect your future and maintain control over your financial identity.

      Stay vigilant, monitor your credit, and don’t hesitate to use these resources when needed and having a checking account that safeguards your peace of mind. Your financial health is worth it!

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      The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by JVB. JVB does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. JVB does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. JVB does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. JVB recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.

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      Safeguarding Your Identity

      Safeguarding Your Identity

      by | Sep 5, 2024 | Fraud, idLock

      Safeguarding Your Identity

      Fraud | idLock

      Father and daughter dressed as superheroes

      In today's digital age, safeguarding your identity has become more critical than ever before. With the rise of technology, identity theft has become increasingly prevalent, posing a significant threat to individuals and businesses alike. From financial fraud to identity fraud, the consequences of identity theft can be devastating. Therefore, it's imperative to take proactive measures to protect yourself against this growing menace.

      Understanding Identity Theft

      Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully obtains and uses another person's personal information for fraudulent purposes. This information can include social security numbers, credit card details, bank account information, and more. Cybercriminals employ various techniques to steal this data, including phishing scams, malware attacks, data breaches, and social engineering tactics.

      The repercussions of identity theft can be far-reaching. Victims may suffer financial losses, damage to their credit scores, and even legal troubles resulting from criminal activities committed in their name. Moreover, recovering from identity theft can be a long and arduous process, requiring significant time, effort, and resources.

      That’s why we’ve outlined these essential steps for protecting against Identity theft:

      1. Strengthen Passwords and Use Two-Factor Authentication: Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and regularly update them. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
      2. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Exercise caution when responding to unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls requesting personal information. Be wary of links or attachments in suspicious communications, as they may lead to phishing websites or malware downloads.
      3. Secure Your Devices and Networks: Keep your computer, smartphone, and other devices updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software. Use encrypted connections, such as HTTPS, when browsing the internet, and secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong, unique password.
      4. Monitor Financial Accounts Regularly: Review your bank statements, credit card bills, and credit reports regularly for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Reporting any discrepancies promptly can help mitigate potential damage.
      5. Safeguard Sensitive Documents: Store important documents, such as passports, social security cards, and financial statements, in a secure location. Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them to prevent dumpster diving.
      6. Limit Sharing Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online, especially on social media platforms. Avoid posting details such as your full birthdate, address, or financial information that could be used by identity thieves.
      7. Freeze Your Credit Reports: Consider placing a freeze on your credit reports with the major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized access to your credit information. This can help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your knowledge
      8. Educate Yourself About Identity Theft: Stay informed about the latest identity theft trends and scams to recognize potential threats. Educate yourself and your family members about best practices for protecting personal information and staying safe online.
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       Feel Confident with an idLock Checking Account

      Identity theft is a pervasive and ever-evolving threat that requires proactive measures to mitigate. That’s why we’ve got you covered with IDProtect, an included benefit with our idLock checking accounts. Protecting your identity is not just about protecting your finances; it's about safeguarding your peace of mind and maintaining control over your digital footprint in an increasingly interconnected world.

      The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by JVB. JVB does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. JVB does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. JVB does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. JVB recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.

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