Skip to content

Personal Finance Security Checklist

Intro

Credit card fraud is the most common form of identity theft.

Checklist

Essential Activities

  • Sign Up for Fraud Alerts for Credit Cards
    Priority: Essential
    Wherever possible, enable fraud alerts on your credit cards to be alerted of suspicious activity on your accounts.

  • "Freeze Your US Credit with All 3 US Credit Reporting Agencies
    Priority: Essential
    If you are not applying for new credit in the US, then you can lock your credit reports through Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. With a Credit Freeze, creditors cannot access your credit report. This will prevent them from approving any new credit account in your name. (See also: USA.gov)

  • Transaction Notifications
    Priority: Recommended
    Configure your credit card accounts so that you get an app alert, an email, or SMS message for every transaction. This will ensure you see any fradulent transactions immediately.

  • Use Virtual Cards
    Priority: Recommended
    Set up one or more virtual credit cards on your credit card account and/or on Privacy.com. Use them for all online purchases and to segment between different kinds of purchases and for sites you trust less. Also consider using separate credit cards for recurring payments (utility bills, subscriptions, donations, etc.) vs. a card for daily shopping.

  • Use Cash Where Possible
    Priority: Recommended
    Pay with cash when buying in-person to avoid financial profiling by institutions. Also, small business may appreciate as they don't have to pay credit card fees.

Advanced Activities

  • Use an Alias Persona for Online Shopping
    Priority: Advanced
    For online purchases, consider using alias details, forwarding email addresses, VOIP numbers, and secure delivery methods to protect your identity.