What Is Identity Theft and How Can You Protect Yourself?
What Is Identity Theft and How Can You Protect Yourself?
In today’s digital world, your personal information is more valuable than ever—and identity thieves are always looking for ways to get their hands on it. At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve seen the devastating effects of identity theft on individuals and families in Albuquerque. Whether it starts with a hacked email, a phishing scam, or a fake software download, the consequences can be serious.
Let’s talk about what identity theft is, how it happens, and what you can do to prevent it.
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it to impersonate you—usually for financial gain. This can include:
Opening credit cards or loans in your name
Accessing your bank accounts
Filing fake tax returns
Making online purchases
Taking over your social media or email accounts
Even a small piece of information—like your full name, address, or date of birth—can be used in a broader scam.
How Does Identity Theft Happen?
Most identity theft begins with some form of data breach or social engineering. Common methods include:
Phishing emails or fake websites that trick you into entering your login info
Lost or stolen wallets, phones, or documents
Public Wi-Fi spying, where hackers intercept your data
Fake software downloads loaded with malware
Social media oversharing that reveals personal info
Once a thief has enough data, they can start piecing together your digital identity—and the damage can happen fast.
Signs You Might Be a Victim
Be on the lookout for these red flags:
Unexpected charges on your credit card or bank account
Receiving bills or debt collection notices for accounts you didn’t open
Denied credit for no clear reason
Strange logins or password reset attempts on your accounts
Missing mail or emails from banks, credit cards, or the IRS
If something doesn’t look right, it’s best to act quickly.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Here are some tips from ABQ Computer Pros to help protect your identity:
✅ Use strong, unique passwords for every account
✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible
✅ Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive transactions
✅ Shred sensitive documents before throwing them away
✅ Be cautious with links in emails or text messages
✅ Regularly check your credit report for unauthorized activity
Using antivirus software and keeping your system updated also helps block malware and spyware that can steal your data.
Think You’ve Been Targeted? ABQ Computer Pros Can Help
If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, don’t wait. At ABQ Computer Pros, we specialize in:
Scanning and removing identity-stealing malware
Securing compromised devices
Setting up safe browsing and secure email
Educating clients on how to prevent future attacks
📍 Serving Albuquerque with honest, fast, and friendly tech support you can trust.
💬 Call ABQ Computer Pros today and let us help protect your identity before—or after—an attack happens.
