Technology
Outsmart hackers who are out to steal your identity
Did you know that identity theft happens every 22 seconds? This means that, by the time you finish reading this sentence, someone has likely had their identity stolen. At best, identity theft will steal away your time and patience. But more often, identity theft leads to severe consequences, like losing control over your financial accounts, having your credit score affected or even losing lifelong savings.
However, you don’t have to be a statistic. By understanding how identity thieves operate and implementing smart protection strategies, you can make your personal data a fortress that’s too challenging for cybercriminals to breach. Drawing from the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) latest Identity Theft Awareness Week insights, I’ll walk you through expert-backed strategies to shield your most valuable asset: your identity.
I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2
Enter the giveaway by signing up for my free newsletter.
Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Lesson 1: Identity theft is more common than you think
With so much of our lives having moved online, identity thieves are having an easier time than ever. Your most important accounts – banking, credit, Social Security – are all digital. Thieves don’t need to know much about you to steal your identity, just a few pieces of personal information can be enough. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 24 million Americans reported identity theft in the past 12 months. In their lifetime, 1 in 3 Americans (more than 110 million people) have experienced identity theft. Here’s the part many people don’t realize: You might have already been a target. Maybe your identity was stolen, and the thieves failed, or maybe your good online habits saved you without you even knowing, which brings us to the next lesson: prevention.
Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
THINK YOU’RE SAFE? IDENTITY THEFT COULD WIPE OUT YOUR ENTIRE LIFE’S SAVINGS
Lesson 2: You can protect yourself from identity theft
You don’t need to spend a fortune to guard against identity theft. While professional services can be helpful, most of what you need comes down to better habits and awareness. Here are some simple steps you can take today:
1) Check your accounts regularly: Review your bank, credit card and Social Security accounts for transactions you didn’t make, failed login attempts and password reset requests you didn’t initiate.
2) Keep an eye on your mail: Look for letters regarding accounts you didn’t open, notices of data breaches and transaction summaries that don’t match your records.
3) Monitor your email inbox: Be alert for password reset emails you didn’t request, confirmation of new accounts you didn’t open, receipts for purchases you didn’t make.
4) Use two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds extra layers of security to your accounts. Even if a thief has your password, they won’t be able to log in without a second step, like a code sent via text message or app-based verification. While logging in might take an extra moment, it’s worth it; 2FA dramatically increases account security.
5) Check your credit report annually: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free credit report once a year. Use it to spot suspicious activity early. If you see something unusual, take action right away.
6) Use strong passwords: Use complex passwords and a password manager to secure your online accounts. Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats.
7) Stop oversharing: Limit the personal information you share on social media and other platforms. It’s a treasure trove for cybercriminals who use it to craft convincing fraud campaigns targeted specifically at you.
Illustration of the need for digital security (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
10 SIGNS YOUR IDENTITY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED
Lesson 3: Know what to do if identity theft happens
Nearly half of Americans don’t know how to respond if they fall victim to identity theft. Acting quickly can make a huge difference. Here’s what to do:
1) Contact the affected institution: Contact the company immediately if you notice something unusual, like a suspicious charge or an unfamiliar account. They’ll guide you through securing your account.
2) Change your passwords: Update the password for the affected account and any others using the same credentials. Use strong, unique passwords for each account to avoid further risks.
3) Report the theft to the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
4) Use an identity theft protection service: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Bonus tip: Invest in personal data removal services
Data breaches often start with personal information that’s readily available online. People search sites and data brokers collect and sell this information, including your name, address, phone number and more. Can you get your data removed? Yes, but it’s tricky. These companies don’t make it easy, and managing removal requests for hundreds of sites can be overwhelming.
Instead, consider using a personal data removal service. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
CELLPHONE NIGHTMARE LEADS TO PORTED NUMBERS, IDENTITY THEFT, FIGHT FOR RECOVERY
Kurt’s key takeaways
Look, identity theft is scary, but you’re not helpless. By staying smart and proactive, you can dramatically reduce your risks. Think of protecting your identity like locking your front door: It’s just good common sense in today’s digital world. At the end of the day, a little awareness goes a long way, and you’ve already taken the first step by reading this article. Now, take what you’ve learned and apply it to keep you safe from cybercriminals.
What situation have you found yourself in where you felt vulnerable to identity theft or needed help protecting your personal information? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE
5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. 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
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
-
Science24 seconds agoArchaeologists Find Egyptian Mummy Buried With the ‘Iliad’
-
Culture18 minutes agoSpeculative Fiction Books Full of Real Horrors
-
Lifestyle24 minutes agoEating Healthy? No, They’re Eating Biblically.
-
Education30 minutes ago‘No Essay’ College Scholarships May Have Unseen Strings Attached
-
Technology36 minutes agoOpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
-
World42 minutes agoHamas used sexual violence ‘deliberately and systematically’ on Oct 7, commission report finds
-
Politics48 minutes agoTrump leaves China with breakthroughs — and unfinished business on Xi’s biggest fights
-
Health54 minutes agoCancer-related brain fog may improve with 2 simple treatments, scientists say