Privacy Mentor with Carrie Kerskie

The pandemic brought about many changes in 2020. One change was the increase in identity theft. Yet, reported data breaches declined. Why? Find out the answer to this question and more in this episode. Special guest: Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. Topics: Who is the Identity Theft Resource Center and what do they do The 2020 Data breach report results – why the decline in data breaches What led to the increase in fraudulent unemployment claims using the ID of another What to do if someone used your identity to file a PPP or EIDL disaster loan 2020 Aftermath Study – why the increase in suicidal thoughts by ID theft victims Concern for cutbacks in government funding for victim assistance programs Two important tips to protect yourself The most important thing to do if you are tricked by a scam If you are a victim and need help, Kerskie Group's ID Rescue is here to help. https://kerskie.com Resources: https://www.idtheftcenter.org/

Where do you go to find out the best way to protect your devices?? An IT Pro, of course. In this episode I chat with Dennis DiGiacomo, MDP Studios, about the threats he is seeing and simple steps us non-tech folks can take to protect our devices. Notice I didn't say computers or smartphones? That's because nearly everything we use today is connected to the internet. Devices now include your home security, TV's, speakers, vehicles, and even dishwashers. You won't want to miss this episode. BONUS: check out the guest blog post by Dennis on Keeping Cybercriminals Out of Your Money https://carriekerskie.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1597&action=edit Visit MDP Studios at https://mdpstudios.net/

Seniors are targets for all types of scams. Jeff Cory, Executive Director, Legacy Foundation at Shell Point, shares with us the types of scams targeting their residents and what they are doing to stop it. Learn more about Shell Point Retirement Community at https://www.shellpoint.org/

When someone becomes a victim, they call the police. Identity theft and cyber crime victims often complain that the police "did nothing." Is that true? In this episode, you will hear directly from Sgt. Brian Sawyer on law enforcement's role in fighting identity theft, fraud, and cyber crimes. Plus, he shares information on the latest threat trends and advice to protect yourself. Topics: Community engagement Current trends Pandemic related threats Law enforcement's role in investigating identity theft Resources: Collier County Sheriff's Office website https://www.colliersheriff.org/ Follow them on twitter

Don't let a bad guy file a tax return using your information. Stop them with this one free tool. Otherwise, your refund could be delayed. In this episode we explore: What is tax return identity theft How it can negatively impact you One FREE tool to protect yourself How to get it What do expect if you already have it IRS.gov

Do you use Instagram? If so, this episode is for YOU! Instagram updated their terms in December 2020, giving them more access and you less privacy. They can access your device, the information on it, and more. Overreach is an understatement. To access the document click this link. Then click on "Data Privacy"

Don't let your curiosity get you hacked. Learn about the "this looks like you" Facebook scam. Show notes and step by step instruction available at https://carriekerskie.com/this-looks-like-you-facebook-scam

I wasn't a fan of password managers, until recently. Find out what changed my mind and why you should consider a password manager too. Show notes available at https://carriekerskie.com/changed-mind-about-password-managers

Passwords were meant to protect your online accounts. If your passwords are on the naughty list, you are at risk. Get the show notes and resources at https://carriekerskie.com/worst-passwords-of-2020

Are you a pic-poster? Do you share your photos online? If so, this episode is for you. Listen to this episode to learn about the risk and one simple question to ask yourself BEFORE posting photos online. Your friends, family, and your future self will thank you!!

Robocalls are a pain in the arse. Hear what one phone carrier is doing to help stop scammers in their tracks. Guest: Steve Carlson of T-Mobile. To learn more visit TMobile.com

Holiday shopping season is upon us. Bad guys are ready and waiting. Listen to this episode to learn ten tips to protect your identity and your wallet while holiday shopping online. If you like what you hear, I would be grateful if you would leave me a review. Thanks.

Security questions were created to protect your online accounts from unauthorized access. But, how you answer them determines their effectiveness. Learn this one simple trick for creating STRONG security question answers to protect your accounts. Want more great tips? Visit CarrieKerskie.com to join my email list.

Did you receive a letter from the SBA regarding your PPP or EIDL loan? If could be a victim of identity fraud. In this episode: What is PPP & EIDL How bad guys exploited them Both personal and business victimized What to do if you are a victim

PayPal is a convenient way to send and receive money. It also helps you protect your financial information from sellers. But, if you are not careful, you could end up giving bad guys access to your account. Stay tuned to learn about a new PayPal phishing email scam. Show notes available at

The phone rings, it's a representative from Amazon asking you to verify your purchase. Your callerID displays Amazon. You don't remember recently making a purchase from Amazon. Could you be a victim of identity fraud or did someone hack your Amazon account? Tune in to this episode to find out.

Many of us are now working remotely from home or our children are attending school online. Cyber criminals have ramped up their game to take advantage of the situation. My guest today, John Benkert of Cigent, offers tips to protect yourself from cyber threats. Resources: Cigent https://www.cigent.com/ CPR Tools https://www.cprtools.com/ Mention this podcast to save 15% of CPR Tool services

We all have a box of old devices. We no longer need them, but we keep them because our information is on them. Or what do you do when you accidentally drop your phone in water or your harddrive unexpectedly crashes? How do you get your data off the device? Today's episode is for you. My guest, John Benkert, the leading data destruction and recovery expert, will answer these and more. Episode key takeaways What Hollywood gets right and wrong about data destruction How to safely remove your data before discarding your old device How to recover your data if something should go wrong Steps to take to protect your data from the unexpected Resources http://www.cprtools.com/services/ Say you heard about it on the Carrie Kerskie Show to save 15%

Account PINs were created to protect your accounts from identity thieves. Then why have I worked with many victims that, despite having a PIN on their accounts, lost thousands of dollars? Don't let this happen to you! Learn the one simple mistake they made so you do not make the same mistake.

When you become a victim of identity theft, you might think you need to hire an attorney. I have worked with many victims that hired me to clean up the damage done by their attorney. Before hiring an attorney, listen to this episode. Episode Takeaways Client 1: Bad advice Client 2: Lost opportunity equals lost money Client 3: Malpractice or misinformed Who to hire if you need help? 6 questions to before hiring an identity theft attorney 5 things to consider before hiring an identity theft attorney Are you a victim and need help? Contact Kerskie Group at 239-435-9111 to schedule a free 30-minute case review.

The Coronavirus has interrupted our lives, but it has also interrupted the lives of the bad guys. That means they are getting creative. There is a new type of identity theft that IS NOT detected by credit monitoring. What is it? Listen to find out. For additional information on this topic check out the full article on my blog at CarrieKerskie.com

New account fraud occurs when an identity thief gets a credit account using your identity. It can happen to anyone at anytime. Don't wait until you become the next victim. In this episode you will learn: How identity thieves can ruin your credit Why credit monitoring does not protect you A free option and how to get it There are more than three credit bureaus, what are the others Read the full article with links and instructions on my blog at https://carriekerskie.com/2020/08/19/protect_your_credit/

Credit cards and debit cards are similar, but do they both offer the same protection against fraudulent transactions? In this episode you will learn: The risks of using a credit or debit card Laws minimizing your financial liability One question to ask yourself Bonus one: tip for online shopping Bonus two: tip for using credit card for auto-draft payments Visit my website, CarrieKerskie.com, to read the full article. **If you like the content, kindly subscribe to this podcast, give me a "like" or leave me a review. Thank you!** Learn how we can work together: https:/carriekerskie.com Victim of identity theft? We can help https://kerskie.com/ Watch video? Subscribe to my YouTube channel Like to read? Check out my books on Amazon.com Your Public Identity: Because Nothing is Private Anymore Protect Your Identity, A step-by-step guide and workbook Let's connect Twitter @CarrieKerskie LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-kerskie-2503784 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarrieAKerskie/

Bad guys can file a deed transfer or apply for a mortgage on your property. To protect you, a company is offering title lock or title fraud protection. But, do you really need it? Things you will learn in this episode: The difference between title insurance and title fraud protection What title fraud protection does How much it costs Could title fraud happen to you Are free alternatives available Resources mentioned: TransUnion 888-909-8872 Experian 888-397-3742 Equifax 800-349-9960 Should you save your money or make the investment? Listen to find out. If you like the content, kindly subscribe to this podcast give me a "like" or leave me a review. Thank you! Let's connect Learn how we can work together: https:/carriekerskie.com Victim of identity theft? We can help https://kerskie.com/ Watch video? Subscribe to my YouTube channel Like to read? Check out my books on Amazon.com Your Public Identity: Because Nothing is Private Anymore Protect Your Identity, A step-by-step guide and workbook Let's connect Twitter @CarrieKerskie LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-kerskie-2503784 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarrieAKerskie/

Reviewing your credit reports is crucial. Now you can get them for free EVERY WEEK! I will tell you how. Learn how to review your credit reports and what to do if you see a discrepancy. If you like saving money with free stuff, this episode is for you!

Bad advice is abundant online. Who can you trust for factual information on identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats? Carrie Kerskie, that's who. Who is Carrie Kerskie? What does she know about identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats? How can her podcast help you? Tune in to find out. If you like this episode, kindly subscribe and give me a thumbs up! Prefer video? Subscribe to my YouTube channel - CarrieKerskie Feedback + Promotion You can ask your questions or share what you learned via social media. Tag me and use the hashtag #CarrieKerskieShow