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#262 Identity Theft Protection with Adam Levin

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As the incidence of identity theft rises, our guest Adam Levin says “You’re going to get got,” so it’s best to assume the worst and learn how to protect your personal information. Adam is consumer advocate with more than 30 years of experience and is a nationally recognized expert on security, privacy, identity theft, fraud, and personal finance. A former Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Levin is Chairman and founder of IDT911 (IDentity Theft 911) and co-founder of Credit.com.  In Adam’s new book “Swiped” he discusses the threats associated with identity theft.

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Here's the problem: Creative and determined hackers can piece together snippets of information from a variety of sources to re-create your profile and use it to undermine your credit score or learn when and where you’re on vacation, which leaves your house vulnerable to theft. That means that you need to guard your information, including Social Security Numbers, phone numbers, email and physical addresses, credit reports, medical records -- basically thieves are trying to create a well-rounded dossier on who you are!

Adam's "Three Ms" - Minimize your exposure (guard your information), Monitor your accounts (keep an eye on credit scroes, consider instant alerts from credit card companies and banks, as well as a credit freeze) and Manage the damage (there are sopecific steps to follow if your information is compromised) - are essential for every consumer

Common types of identity theft sources include credit card scams, data breaches, social media posts, healthcare fraud, and even "smart TVs. Adam also discussed tax theft and social media do’s and don’ts

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World and the worst LinkedIn User. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE