How to protect yourself from drop account fraud – tips from our investigative unit

Posted By: Norhasnima Dimacaling June 22, 2023 by Kurt Eichenwald, The Conversation, [This article first appeared in The Conversation, republished with permission] The types of crimes that use drop accounts are multiplying rapidly, but there are ways to decrease your chances of becoming a victim. Do not mail checks from anywhere but your local post office. Not even your own mailbox is safe. The best option? Pay bills and send money online. Protect your identity online by following these steps Guard your Social Security number. Never use it on medical forms – if asked, write “available upon request” – for a job interview, when applying for a grocery store reward card or when booking travel. If you believe the number has been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration to get a new one. Use only one credit card for online shopping, and never use a debit card. Strengthen your online and mobile phone passwords. If you don’t expect to apply for a credit card or loan soon, freeze your credit with all three credit rating agencies. Check your credit reports. Do not respond to preapproved credit card or loan offers delivered by mail, and, to reduce offers, consider opting out
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