How to Protect Your Identity Online
A man holding a computer with the words, "You've been hacked!" on the screen.
About once a week we learn of a new data breach. At this point, you should just expect your personal identification information to be on the dark web.
The latest breach in April 2024 alleges that every social security number is currently being shared online.
Shoutout to Christopher Hoffman for suing National Public Data in California, which revealed the breach.
Why it matters: The scammers are going to scam, and now a lot easier. You have to protect yourself and it’s actually easy to do so. You can “freeze” your credit at the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Freezing your credit means that anyone running your credit to open an account will be denied. You can “unfreeze” it temporarily to legitimately run your credit and the freeze it again.
Sign up for accounts at all three credit bureaus.
TransUnion freeze here.
Equifax freeze here.
Experian freeze here.
You must freeze at all three credit bureaus because companies can use any credit bureau company to run your credit.
Your credit score is the adult version of a GPA. You must protect it with the same type of energy.
Your credit score gets pulled to rent an apartment, get a job, open a credit card, or get a loan.
A great credit score = saving money with lower interest rates and more favorable terms and conditions.
A maximum credit score is 850. The lowest credit score is 300. The lowest qualifying credit score is often 650.
Source: Equifax
Learn more about the importance of your credit score.
