A new survey conducted by AARP finds that an alarming number of Iowa residents have failed to take the basic precautions against identity fraud. Reports of data breaches have become very commonplace, from Equifax about a year ago, to Target, Uber, Home Depot and many, many more. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, there have been more than 2,000 data breaches since 2015, impacting more than 7 billion records. While some security experts say almost all consumers have likely been affected in some manner by one of these breaches, the AARP survey also reveals more Iowans increase those odds by participating in risky online behaviors. Around 55 percent of adults have the same password for more than one online account. Only four of 10 have online access to all of their bank accounts and a little less than half, 45 percent, have reported fraudulent charges on their credit or debit cards, but only 14 percent ordered a security freeze. Not only do they suggest consumers alter these risky behaviors, they should sign up for the AARP Fraud Watch Network for alerts to scams and access to help if and when an issue does arise. This is a free service to people of all ages. Details on how to sign up for this protection can be found here.
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AARP Fraud Watch network registration and information:
Call 877-908-3360
Link to Fraud Watch website: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/
