Have you ever stopped to think about what happens when you share your personal information online? In today’s world, it’s easy to give out your name, email, phone number, and other information without thinking twice. But sharing too much can lead to bigger problems like identity theft, stolen credit card information, and scams. These problems…
Have you ever stopped to think about what happens when you share your personal information online?
In today’s world, it’s easy to give out your name, email, phone number, and other information without thinking twice. But sharing too much can lead to bigger problems like identity theft, stolen credit card information, and scams.
These issues go beyond just money—they can cause stress, frustration, and long-term risks to your privacy. Every year, millions of people fall victim to scams, and the methods used by hackers are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. From fraudulent emails to identity theft, these threats can catch even the most cautious among us off guard.
I see scams all the time, and sometimes they look so real that even I question if they are real or not!
Just last week, I was waiting for an email from my insurance agent when I received a similar looking and sounding email from a scammer claiming to be my agent. The subject of the email was similar to what I was talking about with my agent. I almost fell for this scam because I was not focused and not paying attention.
A friend of mine once lost his home deposit during a phishing attack. They received an email from someone posing as their mortgage lender. Everything looked legitimate, from the name of the sender. But it was a trick, and they ended up losing $25,000.
Fortunately, there are tools and techniques that can help protect your personal information and reduce these risks. Let’s take a look at the dangers of oversharing and steps you can take to protect your information.
The Real Dangers of Sharing Personal Information
First, let’s talk about the real dangers of sharing your personal information.
1. Identity theft
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and impersonates you.
Thieves can use your name, Social Security number, or other information to open credit cards, take out loans, or even commit crimes. This can cost a lot of money and time to fix.
Did you know that millions of people experience identity theft every year? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that many victims spend more than $1,000 of their own money to solve this problem. And that doesn’t count all the hours spent preparing credit reports and negotiating with banks.
Severe headache.
2. Stolen credit card information
Your credit card information can be stolen in many ways. Cybercriminals may find you through a data breach, a shoplifting device, or a fake website. Once they have your card details, they can make purchases on your behalf. Although banks often cover the costs of fraud, it can take weeks to sort everything out. During that time, your loans may be late, and you may face charges.
Worldwide, credit card fraud costs billions of dollars each year. And even if you are restored, the stress and disruption is real. You may need to get a new card, update your auto-pay accounts, and monitor your statements closely.
3. Phishing scams
Phishing scams can come in the form of fake emails or messages that appear to be from trusted companies. They are designed to trick you into sharing personal information, such as passwords or account numbers.
These scams are getting harder to spot.
One click on a fake link can give hackers access to sensitive information. My friend’s story is a sad reminder: even a small mistake can lead to big consequences.
4. Phone number scams
Your phone number may seem harmless, but scammers can use it to do serious damage. With just your number, they can:
- Access your online accounts – Many websites use your phone number to create an account. Fraudsters can trick carriers into transferring your number to their SIM card (a process called SIM swapping). This allows them to hijack your accounts, including email, banking, and social media.
- Phishing and fraud – Scammers may call or send you messages pretending to be from a legitimate company. They can use this sharing to steal sensitive information, resulting in you losing money or unauthorized access to your accounts.
These scams are hard to spot because they look so real.
To protect yourself, it’s important to limit where you share your phone number and use tools like Surfshark’s Alternative Number, which gives you a virtual number for safe online communication.
Costs Over Money
The financial implications of sharing your information are bad enough, but there are other hidden costs as well:
1. Depression and anxiety
Imagine finding out that someone has stolen your identity or emptied your bank account. Stress can be A LOT! It can take months of phone calls, emails, and paperwork to sort everything out.
2. Loss of trust
Once your information is stolen, it’s hard to trust websites, apps, or emails. You may hesitate to make online purchases or subscribe to services. This can make everyday activities very difficult.
3. Continuing risks
Even if you fix the problem, your information may still be there. Hackers can sell your data, and it can be used again. This means that you must always be vigilant and always monitor your accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
The best way to avoid these problems is to take steps to protect your information. Here are some simple tips:
1. Have smart internet habits
– Use strong passwords: Make sure passwords are long and unique for each account. Do not reuse old passwords as these can sometimes be found on the dark web.
– Turn on two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to access your account without a second verification step (such as receiving a code sent to your cell phone via text message).
– Be careful what you share: Think before sharing personal information, especially on social media.
– Don’t click on suspicious links: If an email or message looks suspicious, don’t click on it. Go directly to the website instead.
– Call the person directly to confirm phone details: Don’t just rely on email. I ALWAYS call and talk to a real person I know. You just don’t want to call someone on the email list, just in case the email is fake. Instead, find the phone number of the person you used to work with and call them – it only takes a moment to do and can save you from falling for a scam.
– Use identity theft notification tools to be notified when your real or family information is online (Surfshark has an alert, which you can find here)
2. Use privacy tools
Surfshark’s tools make protecting your personal information very easy. Here’s how:
– Alternate ID: This tool gives you a new identity to use online. It includes a fake name, email address, and other information, so you don’t have to share your real information. This is great for signing up for websites or newsletters without worrying about spam or data breaches. You can read more about Surfshark Alternative ID here.
– Alternative number: This is a phone number that you can use instead of your real one. Great for online shopping or any time you need to provide a phone number. You can still receive calls and texts, but your real number remains private. You can use this number to sign up for discounts so your real phone number stays spam-free. Another number can reduce data sharing, robocalls, SMS phishing, and more. You can read more about Surfshark Alternative Number here.
Surfshark also sells a VPN to encrypt your internet connection, CleanWeb to block ads and trackers, and a data breach monitoring feature.
It is a solution for all things privacy and security.
What I love about Surfshark is how easy it is to use. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it, and their customer support is always there if you have any questions.
Please click here to learn more about Surfshark.
Why Privacy Saves Money
Protecting your information doesn’t just keep you safe—it can also save you money. Here’s how:
1. Avoid expensive repairs
Recovering from identity theft or fraud can be very costly. You may have to hire an attorney, pay for credit monitoring, or pay fraud charges until your bank pays you back.
2. There are no hidden fees
If your accounts are compromised, you may miss loan payments because your bank closes your account. This can lead to late payments or even higher interest rates. Keeping your information safe helps you avoid these costs.
3. Long term benefits
The peace of mind that comes with protecting your information is priceless. You can shop, browse, and subscribe to services without worrying about scams or violations. And, by preventing problems now, you save yourself time and money in the future.
What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Personal Information
Your personal information is important (and valuable!), and protecting it is easier than you think. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
I still remember the stress I felt when I first received a suspicious email claiming to be from my bank, and it’s what pushed me to take protecting my information very seriously.
By controlling your personal information, you also control your financial future. Stay safe, stay private, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your information is secure.
Please click here to learn more about Surfshark.
What steps do you take to protect your personal information online? Let me know in the comments!
