As we approach the year-end holiday season, it’s crucial to prioritize your financial safety and security. Begin by checking your credit. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Thoroughly review each report for any unfamiliar accounts, incorrect personal information, unfamiliar credit inquiries, or address changes. Additionally, consider setting up ongoing alerts through services like Credit Karma, myFICO, Mint, or LifeLock to monitor your credit activity.
Next, take proactive steps to protect your credit by freezing it. You can freeze your credit for free through each of the three major credit bureaus. For Equifax, visit Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ or call 1-800-349-9960. For Experian, go to Experian.com/freeze/center.html or call 1-888-397-3742. For TransUnion, visit TransUnion.com/credit-freeze or call 1-888-909-8872. Remember, a credit freeze won’t impact your credit score, but you’ll need to unfreeze it if you plan to apply for credit, such as when purchasing a car.
Setting up fraud alerts is another crucial step. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax at 1-800-685-1111, Experian at 1-888-397-3742, or TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289—to request a fraud alert, which is valid for a year. The bureau you contact will notify the other two agencies. If you prefer a longer protection period, you can opt for an extended fraud alert that lasts for seven years. However, you’ll need to provide a police report or an FTC Identity Theft Report.
In addition to setting up fraud alerts, take the time to change your passwords. Ensure that each password is at least 12 characters long, incorporating a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information or commonly used words. It’s advisable to use a different password for each account. Consider utilizing a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden to securely manage your passwords.
Furthermore, it’s highly recommended to implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your accounts. Choose a 2FA method that suits your preferences, such as SMS text messages (least secure), authenticator apps (more secure), or hardware tokens (most secure). Follow the specific setup instructions provided by your institutions. Alternatively, you can consider dedicated 2FA apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator.
In addition to these financial safety tips, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind residents to be vigilant against porch pirates during the holiday season. To protect your deliveries, consider using smart package lockers or having packages sent to your workplace if you won’t be home. Installing security cameras or a camera doorbell system can deter theft. If eligible, consider using Amazon Key for secure package delivery. You can also request a signature upon delivery or reschedule if necessary. If you’re going on vacation, arrange for package holds or ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your deliveries. Insuring valuable packages and signing up for delivery alerts can provide additional protection. If you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please contact us at 845-225-4300.
For your convenience, the Sheriff has provided a downloadable PDF with this information.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure a safer and more secure holiday season.
