Is Your Identity at Risk?
It's National Protect Your Identity Week, so here's a little fact for you: Nearly 10 million Americans were victims of identity-theft fraud in 2008, according to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
It's National Protect Your Identity Week, so here's a little fact for you: Nearly 10 million Americans were victims of identity-theft fraud in 2008, according to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Although you unfortunately cannot eliminate your risk entirely, you can minimize the odds of having your good name -- and credit -- stolen. Start by TAKING OUR QUIZ to see how much you know about protecting your identity.
Then read the stories below for advice on safeguarding your personal information and what to do in case you become a victim of ID theft.
- What You Need to Know About Identity Theft
- Take Steps to Guard Against Identity Theft
- My Wallet Was Stolen. Now What?
- Guard Against ID Theft While Deployed
- Paying for ID Theft Protection Is Not Necessary
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.
Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.
-
Use An iPhone? You May Be Hearing From A Class-Action Lawsuit Group
A handful of suits against the iPhone maker seek to crack down on everything from app store purchases to messaging.
By Keerthi Vedantam Published
-
Capital One/Discover: What's In Their Wallet For You?
Push back on Capital One's planned merger with Discover is growing with one group of consumer advocates calling for a public hearing.
By Keerthi Vedantam Published
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study Shows
Scams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston Published
-
10 Annoying Hotel Fees and How to Avoid Them
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
By Cameron Huddleston Last updated
-
Tired of Scam Text Messages? The FCC Cracks Down
New scam text message rules from the FCC require carriers to block texts from bad numbers and protect consumers.
By Ben Demers Published
-
Tax Scam: IRS Warns Taxpayers Against Filing False W-2 Info
Scams A new tax scam on social media advises lying on your W-2 to falsely claim credits and bigger refunds.
By Ben Demers Published
-
Beware Fake Disney Plus Emails That Steal Your Bank Information
Fake Disney Plus billing messages enable scammers to access your bank account and drain your funds.
By Ben Demers Published
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
The Best Way to Protect a Parent from Scammers
Scams Adult children worried about their parents’ ability to spot and avoid fraud have several options to help protect them, including a durable power of attorney, a guardianship and a revocable trust. Which might be best for your family?
By James J. Ferraro, JD Published