What Exactly Is Identity Theft and Why Is It Growing?
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it for their own gain—usually financial. This can happen in all sorts of ways: someone might hack into your accounts, pull your info from a data breach, or even use phishing scams to get you to hand over your details. The result? They could empty your bank account, open credit cards in your name, or worse.
In 2024, identity theft isn’t going away—it’s getting more sophisticated. With more data breaches happening and hackers developing new ways to exploit weak spots, our information is more at risk than ever. But, don’t panic! With Guardio, you’re not alone in this fight. Guardio’s smart monitoring tools keep an eye on your personal data 24/7, making sure you’re notified the second something suspicious comes up. In 2022, around 15 million Americans were victims of identity theft, resulting in financial losses of nearly $52 billion. The rise in digital fraud and data breaches means these numbers are only expected to grow in 2024. Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 2022 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book.
15 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2022. Don’t become a statistic.
In This Article:
Why You Should Be Monitoring Your Identity Right Now
It’s tempting to think, "Identity theft won’t happen to me," but the truth is, no one is immune. Even if you’re super careful with your information, hackers and fraudsters are always coming up with new ways to steal data. That’s why it’s so important to monitor your personal information constantly. With Guardio, you don’t have to wait until your credit is ruined or your bank account is drained. Guardio alerts you to suspicious activity in real-time, giving you the power to act before things spiral out of control.
5 Signs You Might Be a Victim of Identity Theft
Identity theft doesn’t always scream out loud, but there are definite signs you should watch for. Here are five red flags that something might be off:
- Strange Charges on Your Card: If you’re noticing charges you don’t remember making, someone could be using your account.
- New Accounts You Didn’t Open: Surprise! An unfamiliar bill or credit card statement shows up, but you didn’t sign up for it.
- Credit Applications Denied: You know your credit is good, but you’re still getting denied for loans or credit cards.
- Bills Stop Coming: You stop receiving bills you normally get—someone may have redirected them to cover up their fraud.
- Guardio Alerts You: This one’s key. If Guardio sends you an alert that your info has popped up in a shady part of the internet, take action immediately!
It takes over 200 hours to recover from identity theft.
How to Monitor for Identity Theft in 2024
So, what’s the best way to stay on top of identity theft? Sure, you can check your bank statements and credit reports regularly (and you should), but there’s more you can do. Here’s how to take monitoring to the next level:
- Check Your Credit Reports: Keep an eye on your credit reports to catch any suspicious accounts or inquiries.
2.Set Up Account Alerts: Most banks and credit card companies let you set alerts for unusual activity. 3. Monitor Your Bank Accounts: Don’t wait until the end of the month—keep an eye on your accounts regularly for any unauthorized transactions. Guardio makes this whole process much easier by running constant scans in the background. You don’t have to worry about missing something important—Guardio has your back.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by Identity Theft
Getting that “you’ve been compromised” message is never fun, but don’t freak out. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, here’s what you should do ASAP:
- Freeze Your Credit: This stops thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
- Contact the Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert to warn lenders that your identity might be compromised.
- Check Your Guardio Alerts: Use Guardio to monitor for further suspicious activity—it will help you stay on top of the situation.
File a Police Report: In some cases, reporting the theft to local authorities is necessary to start the recovery process.
Conclusion: Guardio Protects What Matters Most
With identity theft on the rise, monitoring your personal information is no longer optional. You need a solution that keeps up with the evolving tricks and tactics used by hackers. Guardio offers that peace of mind. Its dark web monitoring, real-time alerts, and comprehensive protection give you the tools you need to safeguard your identity in 2024. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start your free scan today and let Guardio help protect what matters most.
