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With scammers stealing a staggering $10 billion from Americans in 2023 alone, staying alert is more important than ever. As International Fraud Awareness Week approaches from November 17-23, it’s a great time to protect yourself by staying informed. Here are 13 ways to protect yourself from fraud.

1. Stop Mail Theft

Sign up for the U.S. Postal Service’s free Informed Delivery service, which emails photos of your incoming mail. This is a great way to ensure nothing is stolen from your mailbox. Quickly collect your mail and drop outgoing items directly at the post office to avoid theft, especially checks, which criminals alter to steal from your accounts.

2. Secure Your Front Door

Install a video doorbell camera to screen visitors. If you don’t recognize someone, don’t open the door. Use a simple refusal script for pushy salespeople or donation requests, like: “I don’t do business at the door. Please leave information.” Be cautious of anyone claiming to be a utility worker without an appointment.

3. Shred Sensitive Documents

To prevent identity theft, shred papers with personal information before discarding them like financial statements, bills, and shipping receipts. If you don’t own a shredder, check for community shredding events or drop-off sites. Every year in June, IAA Credit Union co-hosts a Shred Day where our members can drop off documents to be shredded.

4. Watch for Credit Card Skimming

Before using card readers at gas stations or stores, inspect them for tampering. If the device looks suspicious, inform the cashier and pay another way.

5. Monitor Your Credit Reports

Regularly check your credit report for unusual activity (free reports are available at AnnualCreditReport.com). If you find something suspicious, report it immediately and freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized access. IAA Credit Union is proud to offer My Credit Score to our members for free! My Credit Score can help you monitor your credit report daily and informs you of any big changes that are detected.

6. Protect Your Wallet

Carry only essential cards and documents. Remove sensitive items like your Social Security card and keep copies of important cards in a safe place. Check your wallet and purse frequently.

7. Safeguard Financial Accounts

Set up online access for your accounts and use strong, unique passwords. Review your statements regularly to catch any unusual activity early. If anything looks off, report it immediately.

8. Secure Your Smartphone

Enable biometric security features like fingerprint or facial recognition. Route unknown calls to voicemail and avoid responding to unsolicited texts. Always log out of financial apps when not in use.

9. Protect Your Computer

Activate two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts and consider using antivirus software. This adds an extra layer of protection against malware and unauthorized access.

10. Lock Down Your Email

Flag unsolicited emails as spam, and never open attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware.

11. Be Cautious on Social Media

Adjust your privacy settings so only friends can view your profile, and never accept friend requests or respond to messages from strangers. Be on the lookout for imposters posing as friends.

12. Shop Safely Online

Double-check website URLs before making purchases to avoid look-alike scam sites. Use secure e-payment services instead of saving your credit card info on various retail sites.

13. Learn to Say No

You’re under no obligation to respond to unexpected calls, emails, or texts. Set up your phone to silence unknown callers and learn to confidently say, “I don’t do business over the phone. Goodbye.”

Trust your instincts—if something feels off, take a step back and consult someone you trust.

Originally published by AARP on April 01, 2024. Adapted by IAA Credit Union.