Brian Thompson

About Brian Thompson

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February 9, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Theft Protection

Brian Thompson Employee Benefits, Identity Theft

Securing your personal data with reliable identity theft protection strategies is essential for financial and personal security. Many consumers are actively looking for answers on how to prevent identity fraud, what measures to take when suspicious activity occurs, and how to recover quickly if their identity is compromised. Below, we present a detailed FAQ addressing the most frequently asked questions we’ve been receiving recently. 1. How Can I Tell If My Identity Has Been Stolen? Effective identity theft protection begins with recognizing the warning signs. Look for: Unexpected Accounts: Check your credit report for accounts you did not open. Unusual Inquiries: Monitor your credit for unauthorized inquiries. Missing Mail: A sudden absence of bills or statements may indicate a change of address by a fraudster. Unexplained Charges: Review bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions. Regular monitoring of your credit report—whether annually or quarterly—helps you catch any early signs […]

Futuristic AI battle illustration showing a face-off between a white AI bot representing fraud prevention and an orange AI bot symbolizing fraudsters, with digital elements and a cyber-themed background.

February 5, 2025

AI in Fraud Prevention: How Artificial Intelligence Fights and Fuels Fraud

Brian Thompson Breach, Identity Theft, Scams

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how companies and people protect themselves from fraud. AI helps find and stop fraud while also giving criminals new ways to trick people. This article explains both sides of AI in fraud prevention in clear, simple language. How AI Helps Criminals Commit Fraud Deepfakes and Fake Identities AI can create deepfakes, which are very realistic videos, audio clips, and images that look real but are fake. Criminals use deepfakes to create fake identities. Example: A fake video of a company leader might trick a business into sending money to a criminal. Here is a fun example (note – this was done 3 years ago, consider how much better and accessible AI is today!): Tobey Maguire instead of Tom Holland in Spider-Man AI-Driven Scams Criminals use AI to create smart scams. They design phishing emails and phone calls that sound very real. These scams make it […]

Hands holding the 2024 Data Breach Report by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), featuring a cover with cybersecurity graphics and data visualizations.

January 29, 2025

🚀 2024 Data Breach Trends: Alarming Statistics & Prevention Tips

Brian Thompson Breach, General, Identity Theft

The 2024 Data Breach Trends Report from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reveals a troubling reality—despite ongoing cybersecurity efforts, data breaches remain at near-record levels, with over 1.7 billion victim notices issued, a staggering 312% increase from the previous year. According to James E. Lee, President of the ITRC, “Stolen and compromised data is so ubiquitous that the number of people and businesses who have not been impacted by a data breach is now dwarfed by the number of victims who have—by a factor of five”. This surge, driven largely by six massive mega-breaches, underscores the urgent need for stronger data security measures, better breach disclosure policies, and widespread adoption of advanced authentication solutions like passkeys. This report highlights the key trends shaping cybersecurity in 2024, including the industries most affected, the growing impact of AI in cyberattacks, and strategies to enhance data protection for businesses and individuals alike. […]

January 22, 2025

Top Strategies for Protecting Yourself from Tax Fraud in 2025

Brian Thompson Identity Theft, Scams

Tax fraud will be a growing threat in 2025. Check out these strategies for protecting yourself from tax fraud, including early filing, recognizing scams, and securing your data. Tax fraud has become a sophisticated and costly issue affecting millions every year. In 2024 alone, the IRS identified and stopped $2.1 billion in fraudulent tax returns. Protecting yourself in 2025 requires an informed approach to protecting personal and financial data. Below, we’ll look at the types of tax fraud, warning signs, and actionable steps you can take to mitigate risks. Understanding Tax Fraud What Is Tax Fraud? Tax fraud occurs when an individual or organization intentionally falsifies information on tax returns to evade taxes or steal refunds. This can include inflating deductions, underreporting income, or filing false returns using stolen identities. How Tax Identity Theft Works Tax identity theft is a common subset of tax fraud where criminals use stolen personal […]

Teacher guiding students on a laptop, emphasizing data security and lessons from the PowerSchool data breach.

January 16, 2025

The Comprehensive Guide to Combating Identity Theft in Educational Institutions

Brian Thompson Identity Theft, Students

The rise in cyberattacks targeting educational institutions has exposed vulnerabilities that threaten the privacy and security of students, staff, and families. Notable incidents like the PowerSchool data breach reveal the need for robust protection mechanisms. This guide looks at the risks, impacts, and strategies to safeguard against Identity theft in educational institutions. Understanding Identity Theft in Education Identity theft involves the unauthorized acquisition and misuse of personal information, often for financial or criminal activities. Identity theft in educational institutions is particularly concerning due to the large volumes of sensitive data stored, including Social Security numbers, financial records, and academic details. Educational settings are prime targets for cybercriminals because they rely on digital platforms and legacy systems. By understanding the causes and solutions, students and institutions can mitigate risks effectively. Key Statistics: 74% of education data breaches occur in colleges and universities. Students aged 18–24 are five times more likely to […]

A promotional graphic for defend-id highlighting recovery services performance. It includes service statistics such as a 2.2% abandon rate, 15-second average speed to answer, and 82.4% of calls answered in 20 seconds or less. Features an image of a smiling woman on the phone and a hand holding a smartphone displaying a lock icon.

January 9, 2025

How Our Recovery Services Excel: Performance, Testimonials, and Features

Brian Thompson Employee Benefits, Identity Theft

When it comes to identity recovery services, performance and customer satisfaction are non-negotiable. At defend-id, we pride ourselves on not just meeting industry standards but exceeding them. With a robust service offering that includes expert Recovery Advocates, tailored recovery plans, and unmatched responsiveness, here’s how we make a difference. Service Level Standards: A Benchmark of Excellence Our commitment to customer service is reflected in our Q4 Service Level Statistics for 2024, which highlight how we consistently surpass expectations: Abandon Rate: Achieved 2.2%, significantly better than the 3% industry maximum. Average Speed to Answer: 15 seconds, outperforming the 20-second goal. Calls Answered in 20 Seconds or Less: 82.4%, exceeding the 80% minimum standard. These metrics showcase our focus on quick, efficient, and reliable service, ensuring our customers feel supported when they need us most. What Sets Our Recovery Services Apart Dedicated Recovery Advocates A Certified Recovery Advocate personally assists every customer, […]

A family in a car carrying a Christmas tree, highlighting the importance of staying safe during the holiday season. Text overlay reads: '10 Essential Tips for a Safe Holiday Season.'

December 19, 2024

Protect Yourself While Shopping and Traveling: 10 Essential Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

Brian Thompson Identity Theft

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, it’s also a time when you must protect yourself while shopping and traveling, as scammers look for every opportunity to take advantage of last-minute preparations. 1. Protect Yourself While Shopping Online: Avoid Scams Red Flags: Fake websites, phishing emails, and ads for deals that seem too good to be true. How to Stay Safe: Always shop on secure websites. Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser bar. Double-check retailer authenticity by reading reviews or searching for official store links. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links in emails—type URLs manually. Real-Life Example: A recent scam involved fake retail sites that mimicked major brands like Amazon. Shoppers received counterfeit goods or nothing at all. Pro Tip: Bookmark official sites for repeat purchases to avoid mistyping URLs. 2. Beware of Fake Charities The Scam: Fraudsters create fake […]

A twilight view of the Springfield, Massachusetts skyline reflecting on a calm river, with a prominent bridge on the right side and city buildings rising in the background.

December 11, 2024

Springfield Unites to Shield Seniors & Veterans from Identity Theft

Brian Thompson Elderly Identity Theft, Identity Theft, Veteran Identity Theft

Springfield identity theft prevention is at the forefront of a new community-wide effort to protect the city’s most vulnerable residents. In Springfield, Massachusetts, where seniors and veterans have found themselves increasingly targeted by sophisticated scammers, local leaders, advocates, and experts are joining forces to safeguard personal information, foster awareness, and restore trust. “This is about preserving dignity and independence,” said Councilor Maria Perez, Chair of the Elder Affairs Committee. “We owe it to our most vulnerable residents to stand up for them.” Watch the full Springfield identity theft prevention meeting here on YouTube Real Stories, Real Stakes From vanished contractors who prey on veterans’ benefits to seniors losing their life savings through “check washing,” the meeting highlighted that these crimes aren’t just financial. Victims often experience: Anxiety and stress Feelings of shame A loss of trust and security Lou from the American Legion underscored the bigger picture: “This isn’t just […]

Black Friday Scam sign surrounded by black gift boxes symbolizing the dangers of online scams during the holiday shopping season.

November 20, 2024

Protect Yourself from Black Friday Scams and Holiday Shopping Identity Theft

Brian Thompson Identity Theft, Scams

Black Friday is coming and that means… SHOPPING! The excitement of finding amazing deals is in full swing. But, this also brings an increase in identity theft and fraud schemes. Cybercriminals are targeting you with scams designed to steal personal and financial information. Check out how to spot these threats and protect yourself from Black Friday scams and holiday shopping identity theft Understanding the Rise in Holiday Scams The shopping chaos during the holidays creates an ideal opportunity for bad guys. They use many tactics to fool distracted shoppers chasing big discounts and limited-time offers. Why Cybercrime Peaks During the Holiday Season High Transaction Volumes: The sheer number of online purchases makes fraudulent transactions harder to detect. Relaxed Vigilance: In the excitement of snagging deals, shoppers may overlook warning signs of scams. Unsecured Connections: Many shoppers use public Wi-Fi, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Black Friday Scams to Watch Out […]

November 7, 2024

Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Safeguarding Veterans Against Identity Theft

Brian Thompson Identity Theft

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who served our country with courage and dedication. But as we celebrate their sacrifices, there’s a quieter battle that many veterans face back at home: identity theft. This hidden threat can disrupt lives, destroy finances, and compromise hard-earned benefits. This Veterans Day, let’s talk about how we can protect veterans’ personal security and give back to those who’ve given so much. Active duty servicemembers are 76% more likely than other adults to report misuse of existing accounts, such as bank or credit card accounts, and nearly three times as likely to report unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts. – FTC Why Are Veterans at Higher Risk for Identity Theft? Identity theft hits millions of Americans every year, but veterans are more vulnerable than the rest of us. In 2021, about 50,000 military—including veterans, service members, and families—reported cases of identity […]