Q&A: Identity theft fears? Get a credit report, credit freeze

Dear Liz: I divorced 32 years ago. Recently, I received calls from a collection agency about a debt that has not been paid. I discovered that my ex used my phone number as one of his contact numbers. My number is supposed to be unlisted and unpublished, but he found it online. I have stopped receiving calls from the agency, but how do I stop this from happening again?

Answer: Please check your credit reports to make sure your ex didn’t swipe even more sensitive digits: namely, your Social Security number. If his credit is bad, he may be tempted to pretend to be you in order to get credit cards, loans or other accounts. That’s identity theft, and there are steps you should take now to protect yourself.

You can access your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. (If you’re asked for a credit card number, you’re on the wrong site.) Look for any accounts that aren’t yours and consider freezing your credit reports at each of the bureaus. Credit freezes prevent someone from opening new accounts in your name. You can thaw the freeze whenever you need credit, also for free.

You can’t prevent someone from adding your phone number to their credit applications, but under federal law you can tell a collection agency to stop contacting you, and it must comply. Make the request in writing.

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4 Tax Triggers New Investors Need to Know About
Advice from the tax pros.

Smart Money Podcast: Financial Stability and Identity Theft
Creating financial stability in an unstable world.

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Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurers. Here’s how to shop.

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Today’s top story: These are probably your best options for travel this summer. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on how the pandemic is changing our financial lives, how your state may let you deduct the costs of working from home during the pandemic, and 10 steps to avoiding tax-return identity theft.

These are probably your best options for travel this summer
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Things have changed dramatically.

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Covering the costs of your upgrades.

10 Steps to Avoiding Tax-Return Identity Theft
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Identity theft protection you may not know you already have. Also in the news: How auto insurers use you non-driving habits to raise prices, how younger consumers can get a credit boost from their elders, and how to close a credit card the right way.

Identity Theft Protection You May Not Know You Already Have
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Authorized user status could give you a boost.

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Today’s top story: Retirement costs that could surprise you. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on keeping your New Year’s money resolution, how procrastinators can win at gift-giving, and another reason to not pay for your gas at the pump.

Retirement Costs That Could Surprise You
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You might need to leave the house.

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: One credit score factor to check twice during the holidays. Also in the news: How to give back without busting your budget, how not to get hustled in the holiday bustle, and the best apps for tracking your credit card rewards.

One Credit Score Factor to Check Twice During the Holidays
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Today’s top story: In ‘SIM Swap,’ criminals really have your number. Also in the news: Don’t let price be your only guide when choosing an airport, a new SmartMoney podcast, and why you shouldn’t sign up for an airline credit card when you’re on the plane.

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In ‘SIM swap,’ criminals really have your number

If you’re not familiar with SIM swap fraud, prepare to be terrified.

This scam, also known as port-out or SIM splitting fraud, allows criminals to hijack your cell phone number. Once they have your number, the bad guys can clean out your financial accounts, confiscate your email, delete your data and take over your social media profiles.

Fraudsters can do all this because many companies — including banks, brokerages, email providers and social media platforms — verify your identity by texting a code to your cell phone. Intercepting those codes can give a criminal an all-access pass to your financial and digital life.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn more about the fraud experts fear the most.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 tech tasks to keep your parents safer online. Also in the news: What to do if an ETF in your portfolio closes, 5 ideas for setting clear and effective personal finance habits in 2019, and the majority of Americans say they did not get a pay raise this year.

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4 tech tasks to keep your parents safer online

All of us are vulnerable to fraud. But the ways some older people use technology can put them at higher risk.

That’s where you come in. In my latest for the Associated Press, when you’re home for the holidays, or the next time you visit your folks, offer to help with a few tasks that can keep your parents safer online.