 TITLE: What You Can Do to Avoid Identity and Credit Fraud CONTENT: How to Keep Your Information Safe Online\n----------------------------------------\nSafeguarding personal data online requires vigilance. It may require you to take steps that fly in the face of online shopping convenience, but that can help you avoid major hassles in the long run:\n*   **Avoid storing your credit card information** at e-commerce sites, to reduce vulnerability to data breaches and minimize the damage that can occur if someone steals your account password.\n*   **Develop good online security habits**, by creating strong passwords, using unique passwords for each account and changing them often. Where it's available, take advantage of two-factor authentication, which confirms your identity via voice call or text message as part of your account login.\n*   **Be smart about online shopping in public** by avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and taking care that others can't observe or overhear you as you enter account numbers or other personal information.\nThe best way to reduce your risk of credit fraud is to be vigilant and do your best to protect your personal information. Experian offers a wealth of advice to help in this effort, and also offers many resources in case you become an unfortunate victim.  \n### Fraud Prevention Resources\n*   What to Know About Credit Card Fraud Protection  \n    General fraud protection methods are similar across major credit card issuers, but some offer features that stand out. Here’s what you need to know.\n*   What Is Credit Fraud?  \n    Credit fraud is the use of victims' personal information and credit standing to borrow cash or buy goods or services on credit, without repaying the debt.\n*   How to Prevent Debit Card Fraud  \n    Reviewing bank statements regularly and reporting fraud immediately can help you minimize loss from debit card fraud.\n*   What Should You Do When Your Identity Is Stolen: Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert?  \n    Discover your best options after finding suspicious activity on your credit report.\n*   The Many Different Forms of Identity Theft  \n    There are many different types of identity theft and fraud. Some lesser-known culprits could wreak havoc on your financial life if gone undetected.\n*   Four Ways to Reduce the Risk of Identity Theft  \n    There’s no way to eliminate the threat of identity theft, but there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to it. Here’s how to do it.\n*   The Unexpected Costs of Identity Theft  \n    Identity theft brings a host of financial, practical and emotional costs. Prevention tactics, monitoring and resolution support can minimize negative impact.\n*   What Is a Fraud Alert?  \n    A fraud alert can protect against unauthorized access to your credit files without creating major obstacles to your ability to apply for credit yourself. END