Identity Theft – Tips with an FBI Agent
At Johnson Brunetti, we understand the unique vulnerabilities that come as we age. At our recent community event, Protect Your Identity & Secure Your Retirement, we brought financial wisdom and law enforcement together with insights from Joel Johnson, CFP® and Jeff Lanza, a retired FBI Special Agent with over two decades of experience fighting identity theft and various scams.
Jeff and Joel joined a special edition of Better Money on WFSB Channel 3 to share some tips and tricks for anyone who may have missed the event!
The Importance of Protecting Your Identity
Most of our clients are between 55 and 70 years old, either approaching retirement or recently retired. While market investment risks are always a concern, another significant risk is falling victim to scams, which can have devastating financial consequences. It’s crucial to educate people on how to protect themselves.
Top Tips to Safeguard Your Identity
- Create an online Social Security account. This prevents others from creating one in your name and keeps your information secure.
- Freeze your credit reports. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
- Protect your information. Be cautious about sharing personal details, especially over the phone or online.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
People often receive phone calls or text messages that appear to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration. These agencies will not call you; they will send mail. If someone calls claiming to be from these agencies, it’s a scam. They are likely trying to steal your identity or money.
Ditch Mailbox Checks and Go Digital
Stop writing checks and putting them in the mailbox with the flag up, which can attract thieves. One tip when writing checks is to use gel pens so the ink can’t be easily washed off, or better yet, pay bills electronically. Online bill pay is much more secure than mailing checks.
Ensuring Account Security
At Johnson Brunetti, we handle sensitive personal and financial information, so it is critical to authenticate account requests thoroughly. This process includes calling clients back and using multiple verification methods. Additionally, it’s a good idea to set alerts on your financial accounts to promptly detect any unauthorized transactions.
Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.
Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.
Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.
Related Resources
-
How to Financially Plan for a New Presidential Administration
A new presidential administration is set to take office next year, and while there are a lot of uncertainties around what a second Trump term could bring, it’s important to stay the course in your… -
Social Security Review: How to Get it Right
Social Security may be just one piece of the puzzle, but the decisions you make about when and how to claim your benefits can be crucial to the stability and strength of your overarching retiremen… -
When Should I Consider Borrowing Against My Assets?
Welcome back to the Money Wisdom Question Series. Today’s question is, when would it be beneficial to borrow against my assets? While there are ways to borrow against assets such as a vehicle, we’… -
Reaching the Retirement Mountain
The journey to and through retirement is like climbing a mountain. Climbers must diligently prepare for every aspect of their voyage – the climb up, reaching the top, and coming back down. You wan… -
How Do I Avoid Tax Bracket Creep?
Today’s question is central for anyone who wants to avoid an unpleasant surprise come tax season: what can I do to prevent tax bracket creep? Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® joins the Money Wisdom Questio… -
FAQ on Retirement Planning
At Johnson Brunetti, we are committed to helping you navigate your financial concerns as you approach one of the most complex yet rewarding phases of your life. This week, Joel Johnson, CFP®, join… -
Your Retirement Income Planning Checklist
As you approach retirement, your financial objectives shift from accumulating savings to generating income for the rest of your life. Even if you’ve been a diligent saver, achieving that goal requ… -
Your Retirement Questions, Answered
At Johnson Brunetti, our valued listeners and viewers frequently reach out seeking guidance on a variety of retirement planning needs. Today, financial advisor David Shapiro joins Better Money Bos… -
What Are My Options for Long-Term Care Coverage?
Today’s question is particularly fitting for Long-Term Care Awareness Month: what are my options for long-term care coverage? Heath Grossman, CFP® joins this week’s Money Wisdom Question Series to… -
My Financial Advisor Retired – Now What?
So much in life can take us by surprise, including today’s question: “my advisor has retired—what should I do now?” You might be asking yourself who you can rely on for support in this next chapte…
