Technology

How to safeguard your credit score in retirement as fraud and identity theft rise among seniors

Published

6 hours ago

September 10, 2025

How to safeguard your credit score in retirement as fraud and identity theft rise among seniors

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You’ve worked hard, saved smart, and now it’s time to enjoy your retirement years. But here’s the catch: your credit score still matters, even when you’re no longer applying for mortgages, car loans or new credit cards. Why? Scammers know many seniors don’t monitor their credit very often, and that makes retirees prime targets for identity theft. Due largely to increased scam attempts, financial losses for seniors reached $4.9 billion in 2024. And anyone can become a target. The good news is there are simple, powerful steps you can take right now to lock down your credit score and make sure your hard-earned nest egg is safe.

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HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Why your credit score matters in retirement

A lot of people assume that once they stop working, their credit score doesn’t matter anymore. After all, you’re not buying a new house or car, right? Not so fast. Your credit score can still affect:

Insurance premiums. Some insurers factor your credit into your rates.
Retirement community applications. Senior housing and assisted living facilities often run credit checks.
Loan approvals. You may still need financing for medical bills, home repairs or emergencies.
Identity theft risk. A clean, unused credit file is like a blank check to a scammer.

The hands of Karin Seelmann, a 70-year-old participant of a computer course for seniors, handle the keyboard of a laptop in Hanover, Germany, Feb. 21, 2017. (Peter Steffen/picture alliance)

Keeping your credit score safe is about protecting both your financial reputation and your retirement savings.

REMOVE YOUR DATA TO PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT FROM SCAMMERS

Step 1: Monitor your credit regularly

Even if you’re not applying for credit, you should know what’s in your file. Seniors are often the last to find out when a scammer has taken out a loan or opened a card in their name. The three big credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, are required to give you a free report once a year. Here’s the trick: thanks to recent changes, you can now get a free weekly credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Set a calendar reminder to check your reports once a month. Look for accounts you don’t recognize, suspicious credit inquiries or sudden drops in your score.

HOW SCAMMERS EXPLOIT YOUR DATA FOR ‘PRE-APPROVED’ RETIREMENT SCAMS

man writing in journal next to laptop while sittign at table

A man looking into his retirement matters. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2: Place a fraud alert

If you suspect you’ve been targeted, a fraud alert makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. It tells creditors they need to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving anything.

A fraud alert is free.
It lasts for one year (you can renew it).
You only need to contact one bureau. They’ll notify the others.

This is a great first line of defense if you’ve received scam calls, phishing emails or notice odd activity in your accounts.

woman types on laptop while sitting at table

A woman looking up her credit score on a laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3: Freeze your credit (the gold standard)

A credit freeze is the single most powerful tool retirees have to protect their credit score. Also, it’s completely free. Here’s why you should do it today:

It blocks anyone from opening new credit in your name.
It doesn’t affect your current accounts, score or benefits.
You can unfreeze it anytime if you need new credit.

Since most retirees don’t apply for new loans often, a credit freeze is a “set it and forget it” safeguard. Think of it as putting your credit file in a vault.

How to do it:

Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion individually (you’ll need to freeze your credit with each one).
Provide proof of identity (usually SSN, date of birth and address).
Keep the PIN or password they give you; you’ll need it if you ever want to lift the freeze.

HOW TO HAND OFF DATA PRIVACY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS TO A TRUSTED LOVED ONE

A woman looking into her retirement matters on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4: Lock down your personal data online

Here’s something many seniors don’t realize: even if your credit is frozen, scammers can still target you through other leaks of personal information.

Data brokers publish your name, address history, phone numbers, relatives and even property records online. Scammers use this information to:

Impersonate family members in “grandparent scams.”
Craft convincing phishing messages.
Trick banks or creditors with stolen details.

That’s why removing your personal information from these sites is just as important as freezing your credit. Doing it manually means tracking down dozens (sometimes hundreds) of data broker websites and sending formal removal requests and repeating the process every few months as your info pops back up.

Data removal services can handle this automatically, requesting removals from dozens of data brokers at a time and monitoring for re-uploads. It’s one of the simplest ways to cut off scammers at the source and keep your retirement profile off the web.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

5 STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCES FROM FAMILY SCAMS

Step 5: Watch for warning signs of identity theft

Even with strong protections in place, it pays to stay alert. Here are a few red flags to watch for:

Bills or medical statements for services you never used
Collection calls about debts that aren’t yours
New credit cards or loans arriving in your mail
Denials for credit or insurance you didn’t apply for
A sudden, unexplained drop in your credit score.

If you see any of these, act fast: file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, contact your bank or creditors and double-check that your credit freeze is active.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Retirement should be about peace of mind; you’ve earned your retirement. Protecting your credit score may not be the most exciting task on your to-do list, but it’s one of the smartest. By monitoring your credit, freezing your file, removing your data from broker sites and staying alert for red flags, you can keep scammers out of your finances and focus on enjoying the retirement you deserve. Want to take one major worry off your list? Start by having your personal information automatically pulled from the internet. It’s an easy way to reduce your digital footprint and keep your credit and your retirement fund safe.

Should more be done to protect retirees from identity theft and financial scams? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

Vimeo to be acquired by Bending Spoons for $1.38 billion

Published

5 hours ago

September 10, 2025

Press Room

Vimeo to be acquired by Bending Spoons for .38 billion

Vimeo is getting bought up by Bending Spoons, a European software company that has amassed a growing portfolio of businesses, including Evernote, WeTransfer, and Meetup. Bending Spoons will pay $1.38 billion to acquire the video hosting platform, and it expects to close the deal later this year.

Vimeo launched in 2004 as a spinoff of CollegeHumor and has long struggled to keep up with its biggest rival: YouTube. In recent years, Vimeo has hiked video hosting fees and shifted toward catering to enterprise businesses as well as creators who want to monetize their content. Philip Moyer joined Vimeo as CEO last year as the company began dipping into AI tools. Just last week, Moyer announced that the platform is laying off around 10 percent of the company’s workforce.

“At Bending Spoons, we acquire companies with the expectation of owning and operating them indefinitely, and we look forward to realizing Vimeo’s full potential as we reach new heights together,” Luca Ferrari, the CEO and co-founder of Bending Spoons, said in the press release.

Technology

Think You've Been Hacked? Here’s What You Must Do Before It's Too Late

Published

1 day ago

September 9, 2025

Press Room

Think You've Been Hacked? Here’s What You Must Do Before It's Too Late

Stolen passwords, hijacked email accounts, and compromised credit cards can wreak havoc on your life. If you’ve already been hacked, time is critical. We’ll show you exactly how to take control, recover fast, and lock things down to prevent it from happening again.

Technology

How to protect your privacy at hotels

Published

1 day ago

September 9, 2025

Press Room

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You don’t have to be a celebrity to want hotel privacy. Many guests, like Carol from Wisconsin, wonder if hidden cameras or security lapses could affect their next trip.

The good news: most hotels value guest privacy because it’s central to their business. Still, being aware and taking a few smart steps can give you extra peace of mind during your stay.

SCHOOLS’ SAFETY TOOLS ARE SPYING ON KIDS — EVEN AT HOME

The bottom line on hotel privacy: Risk is low, but awareness helps

Hotels do not place cameras in guest rooms. Surveillance usually exists only in public spaces like lobbies, elevators or hallways. Even so, it’s worth learning how to check your surroundings and spot potential issues before settling in.

Hotels stress guest privacy, yet a quick room sweep can ease concerns. (D.A. Varela/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

How to do a hotel room sweep for hidden cameras

Start by inspecting your room:

Shine your phone’s flashlight in dark corners. Camera lenses reflect light.
Check common hiding spots: smoke detectors, alarm clocks, USB chargers, lamps and picture frames.
Try the fingernail mirror test: touch your fingernail to a mirror. If the reflection meets your nail without a gap, it could be two-way glass.
Listen for faint buzzing or clicks that might come from disguised devices.

Use your smartphone to detect hidden devices in hotels

Your smartphone can help uncover suspicious devices.

Open your camera app to spot infrared lights. Many hidden cameras emit IR that shows up on screens.
Use scanning apps like Fing to check the Wi-Fi network for unusual device names like “IP Camera.” Remember: not all devices will appear.

High-tech tools for finding hidden cameras in hotels

For longer trips or high-security situations, dedicated devices add reassurance:

IR lens detectors locate hidden camera reflections.
RF (radio-frequency) scanners pick up wireless signals from covert devices.

These gadgets complement a manual sweep; they don’t replace it.

Hidden camera detector apps for iPhone and Android

If you’re worried about hidden cameras during a hotel stay, several iOS and Android apps claim to help, though their accuracy and costs vary.

iOS

Hidden Camera Detector – Peek (Kupertino Labs)Has a clean interface and a high user rating. But some users say it only scans the Wi‑Fi network and may prompt a subscription to see results.
Spy Camera Scanner (AI APPS SRL)Promises IR signal detection and Bluetooth scanning. Simple, but again, the full functionality is gated behind a subscription.

Android

Hidden Camera Detector (FutureApps)Uses your phone’s magnetic sensor to alert you near electronics and also scans for infrared light. But reviews suggest the free version can feel gimmicky, especially for magnetic detection.
Camera Detector: Hidden Spy (AppVillage Global)Offers a combo of Wi‑Fi scanning, magnetic sensor detection and metal detection, plus tips on common hiding spots. Visible complaints include relentless ads and paywalls.

5 PHONE SETTINGS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW FOR A SAFER SMARTPHONE

Simple steps like locking doors and covering peepholes boost hotel security. (Martin Berry/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

What to do if you find a hidden camera in your hotel

Do not remove or tamper with the device.
Document with photos.
Notify hotel management immediately. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo ban undisclosed cameras.
For serious concerns, contact law enforcement before contacting the property owner.

Smart security habits for every stage of your stay

From check-in to check-out, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your privacy and keep you in control.

1) Before you arrive

Call ahead and ask:

24/7 security: Confirm whether the hotel has round-the-clock protection.
Guest floor access: Ask if elevators and hallways are restricted to key holders.

2) While you check in

Incognito listing: Request to be listed as “incognito” or use an alias.
Visitor control: Let staff know you are not expecting visitors.

3) While in your room

Do Not Disturb: Ask the operator to block outside calls to your room line.
Mobile phone: Use your cell phone instead of the in-room phone.
Door security: Lock your door and use deadbolts or extra latches.
Window privacy: Close curtains and cover the peephole with tape or a sticker.
Sensitive transactions: Avoid banking or entering private logins on public Wi-Fi whenever possible.
VPN protection: Use a VPN when on hotel Wi-Fi to encrypt your connection and keep browsing private.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

Pro Tip: Install strong antivirus protection on all your devices before your trip. Use it to block malware, phishing attempts and other threats that often spread through hotel Wi-Fi.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

4) When away from your room

Secure extra keycards: Keep any spares locked in the room safe to prevent misuse.
Rely on hotel safes when needed: Electronic safes are generally secure, but you can also log valuables with staff for an extra layer of protection.
Use built-in anti-theft tools for devices: Features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device (Android/Windows) help you locate or remotely wipe phones, laptops and tablets if they’re stolen.

Try additional anti-theft apps: Tools such as iAlertU for MacBooks and PreyProject.com for Android and Windows laptops can add extra protection. Some even send you a photo if someone tampers with your device.

5 DIRTIEST SPOTS IN HOTEL ROOMS: WHAT EXPERTS SAY TO DO AT CHECK-IN

View of the hotel room from the entrance.

Smartphones can reveal infrared signals from hidden spy devices. (Photo by: Martin Berry/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Your privacy matters, whether you’re staying one night or a full week. Most hotels respect guests, but technology has made it easier for bad actors to abuse trust. With these tips, apps and gadgets, you can stay in control and protect yourself.

Would you feel safer if hotels were required to disclose their guest privacy and security practices before you book? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.