In 2022 $43 billion was lost to identity theft and fraud, affecting one in eight Americans. These figures underscore the seriousness of identity theft and highlight the urgent need for heightened vigilance and awareness. In an era where personal information is increasingly vulnerable, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard yourself and your data. While there are excellent paid identity protection services available, if you’re interested in a do-it-yourself approach to safeguarding your identity, keep reading to learn more.

Check if you have access to free or low-cost identity protection services

You may already have access to identity protection services, either for free or at a very low cost, through companies or organizations you have a relationship with, including:

• Your bank or credit union
• Your credit card company
• Your employee benefits plan
• Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
• Organizations you may belong to, such as AAA or AARP

Understand your insurance coverage

It’s likely that in the event of identity theft, your insurance can serve as a financial safety net, helping you recover any money lost. To make the most of your coverage, take the time to carefully read and comprehend the terms and conditions or terms of service provided by your insurance provider. Knowing these details will enable you to prepare the necessary receipts and records that may be required in the event you need to make a claim, ensuring a smoother and more efficient resolution of any identity theft-related issues.

Free identity protection resources

When it comes to free identity protection resources, you have several options, including:

• Free annual credit reports: By law, you are entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing these reports regularly can help you spot any unusual activity
• Credit monitoring services: Some credit bureaus offer free credit monitoring services to help you keep an eye on your credit reports and monitor for any suspicious activity. Click here to read about Equifax’s free credit monitoring service, “Lock & Alert”.
• Non-profit organizations: Some non-profit organizations, such as the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), offer free services or resources to help you minimize risk and effectively cope with the repercussions of identity theft.
• Government resources: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides valuable resources and tips for preventing and recovering from identity theft. Additionally, if you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to identity theft, you can report it to them.

How to safeguard your identity for FREE

Trend Micro ID Protection gives you all the tools you need to improve your online privacy and shield against identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to your online accounts. Its comprehensive range of features includes personal identity monitoring, social media monitoring, a secure password manager, and a privacy-enhancing browser extension.

With ID Protection you can…

• Receive alerts if your personal info gets leaked.
• Stop sites from collecting privacy-compromising data.
• Safeguard your social media accounts against hackers.
• Protect against online threats, such as phishing scams.
• Create, store, and manage strong, tough-to-hack passwords.

What’s even better, is that you can enjoy a 100% unrestricted, 30-day free trial of ID Protection, so you can take advantage of all its awesome features and start securing your identity and privacy today! Click the button below to get started!

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