2 Fraud Protections You Need Right Now

The Growing Problem

Every week, we hear from people blindsided by fraud.

• Stolen credit.
• False tax returns.
• Fake accounts and unauthorized loans.

It’s scary how easy it happens when your information is floating around online with zero protection in place. Once that happens, recovery can take months — or even years.

The Wake-Up Call

By the time fraud hits, the damage is done. Your identity is stolen, your accounts are frozen, and you’re left trying to prove who you are just to fix it.

The stress, paperwork, and wasted time aren’t worth it. Prevention is far easier than recovery.

The Two Essential Fixes

Protect yourself before it starts. These two free steps will lock down your financial identity.

1. Set Up an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

An IP PIN is a six-digit code issued by the IRS that only you know. It prevents anyone — even with your Social Security number — from filing a tax return in your name.

You can apply for free through the IRS.gov website in minutes.

Why it matters: Tax identity theft is one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud, and this one step makes your return virtually untouchable.

2. Freeze Your Credit with All Three Bureaus

Each major credit bureau — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — lets you freeze your credit for free.

A credit freeze blocks anyone (including thieves) from opening new accounts or taking loans under your name unless you personally “unfreeze” it.

Why it matters: Even if your information leaks in a data breach, criminals won’t be able to use it to open fake accounts.

The Win

Once you have both protections in place, your personal identity is locked down tight:

• ✅ You control when your credit can be accessed.
• ✅ Your tax filings are safe from fraudulent returns.
• ✅ You get peace of mind — without paying for identity-monitoring subscriptions.

It takes less than 30 minutes to set up both — and could save you thousands in the long run.

Protect What You’ve Built

Fraud prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. It just requires a few smart moves and consistent awareness.

Pro Tip: Once your credit freeze and IRS IP PIN are active, set a calendar reminder to review them annually. Staying proactive keeps your protection strong year after year.