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8 Tips to Make Yourself a Tougher Target

Published: June 14, 2025

8 Tips to Make Yourself a Tougher Target

Scammers are always looking for easy targets—but a few smart digital habits can go a long way in helping you stay secure. Here are eight practical ways to make yourself less vulnerable.

1. Strengthen Your Passwords

Passwords are often the first line of defense against scammers. Make yours harder to crack by:

  • Avoiding simple or commonly used passwords
  • Using a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
  • Changing passwords periodically, especially for financial or email accounts
  • Using a trusted password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

To secure your online accounts, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as two-step verification, is a crucial step. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, typically a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app, in addition to your password. This makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts, even if they manage to obtain your password.

3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages

Whether it’s an email, text, or phone call, scammers often use social engineering to trick victims into handing over personal info or clicking dangerous links.

Stay cautious by:

  • Verifying the source—check email addresses and caller info carefully
  • Hovering before clicking links to confirm legitimacy
  • Contacting companies using official channels if something seems off

4. Reduce Your Digital Footprint

Oversharing online makes it easier for scammers to dox you or impersonate you.

Protect your personal info:

  • Avoid posting your address, phone number, or birthdate publicly
  • Check your privacy settings on social media
  • Delete old or unused accounts
  • Google your name to see what’s publicly visible—and remove anything questionable
  • Limit app permissions to only what's necessary

5. Watch Out on Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it’s also a favorite hunting ground for hackers.

Play it safe on public networks:

  • Never log into banking sites or shop online using public Wi-Fi
  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you must connect
  • Forget the network afterward to avoid automatic reconnection later

6. Stay Informed

Cyber threats are constantly evolving—what worked last year might not be enough today.

Stay ahead by:

  • Follow cybersecurity blogs or trusted news sources
  • Sign up for scam alerts from your state attorney general or the FTC
  • Share what you learn with family and friends

7. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Even with strong passwords and 2FA, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your accounts.

Stay alert with these practices:

  • Set up account alerts for large transactions or unusual activity
  • Log in frequently to review your account activity and transaction history
  • Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com to catch fraudulent accounts or inquiries early

8. Freeze Your Credit If You’re Not Applying for Loans

If you’re not actively applying for credit, consider freezing your credit file as an extra layer of protection.

Why this matters:

  • A credit freeze blocks new credit accounts from being opened in your name
  • It’s free and easy to do at all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
  • You can temporarily unfreeze your credit when needed

Stay Secure with USSFCU

Protecting your personal and financial information is a shared responsibility—and we’re here to help. Visit ussfcu.org/security for helpful tools, tips, and our latest fraud alerts.

Article content is provided for information purposes only.

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