In the digital age, the threat of identity theft is at an all-time high. Sophisticated cybercrime tactics and schemes have left us more vulnerable to online scams than ever before.

So, what can you do to safeguard your personal information? Joel Johnson, CFP® joins Retire Wiser with NBC Connecticut to share three steps you can take to protect your identity.

Create an Online Social Security Account

Identity theft occurs when someone illegally uses your private information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), to commit fraud. The first step you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft is to create your own online Social Security account.

A personal account can help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity. Without an account, someone could theoretically create one for you to access your information and make unauthorized changes.

Freeze Your Credit Report

One of the most effective things you can do is to freeze your credit report. A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, lowers the chance of an identity thief opening a new account in your name. Rest assured, if you need to apply for a credit card or car loan, you can unfreeze your credit report and then re-freeze it after you’ve been approved.

If you choose not to place a credit freeze, you should at least consider setting up a fraud alert for an additional layer of verification with one of the three national credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian.

Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts

If you’ve ever received an unexpected email or text message asking for personal information, it may have been a type of online scam called phishing. Scammers use these seemingly legitimate messages, posing as companies you know or trust, to try to trick you into willingly providing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account details.

Be extremely careful about what attachments you open, especially when prompted to provide personal information, as it may be a link to a malicious website. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an email or text message, it’s best to take extra precaution by looking up the company’s phone number on your own to call and ask if the request is valid.