Best Ways to Protect Against Identify Theft
Best Ways to Protect Against Identify Theft
Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating financial and personal consequences. It occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account number, and uses it without your permission. Identity thieves can use your information to open new credit accounts in your name, max out your existing accounts, or even commit fraud.
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft. Here are some of the best ways:
Freeze your credit. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit reports, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You can place a credit freeze with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Safeguard your Social Security number. Your Social Security number is one of the most important pieces of personal information you have. Never give it out unless you are absolutely sure who you are giving it to and why they need it. Do not carry your Social Security card with you unless you need it.
Be alert to phishing and spoofing. Phishing and spoofing are scams in which criminals try to trick you into revealing your personal information. Phishing emails often look like they are from legitimate companies, such as your bank or credit card company. Spoofing calls are phone calls that appear to be coming from a real company, but are actually from scammers. If you receive a suspicious email or phone call, do not click on any links or provide any personal information.
Use strong passwords and add an authentication step. Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of your passwords. Many websites and apps now offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. With two-factor authentication, you will need to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password to log in to your account.
Use alerts. Many banks and credit card companies offer alerts that can notify you of suspicious activity on your accounts. Sign up for these alerts so that you can be aware of any potential problems early on.
Watch your mailbox. Thieves can steal your mail and use the information they find to commit identity theft. Pick up your mail promptly and shred any documents that contain personal information before you dispose of them.
Shred, shred, shred. Any document that contains personal information, such as bank statements, credit card statements, and medical bills, should be shredded before you dispose of it. This helps to prevent thieves from getting their hands on your information.
Use a digital wallet. Digital wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, can help to protect your credit card information when you make purchases online and in stores. Digital wallets encrypt your credit card information so that it is not stored on your device or the merchant's server.
Protect your mobile devices. Your mobile devices contain a lot of personal information, so it is important to protect them from theft and loss. Set up a password or PIN lock on your devices and install a security app.
Check your credit reports regularly. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 12 months. You can request your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your credit reports carefully for any errors or unauthorized activity.
Monitor financial and medical statements. Regularly review your financial and medical statements for any unauthorized charges or activity. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank, credit card company, or healthcare provider immediately.
By taking these steps, you can help to protect yourself from identity theft. Remember, identity theft can happen to anyone, so it is important to be vigilant and take steps to safeguard your personal information.
In today’s business world, financing options are everywhere—but choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. From traditional bank loans to alternative lending solutions, the fine print and fast-changing requirements often leave business owners spending more time deciphering funding terms than actually running their businesses. That’s where the value of a dedicated funding advisor truly shines. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve seen firsthand how personalized guidance can transform the funding experience for business owners of all sizes.
When most business owners think about financing, the first stop that comes to mind is usually the bank. After all, banks have been the “traditional” source of business loans for decades. But here’s the reality: what they don’t tell you can cost your business time, opportunities, and growth. At Lexington Capital Holdings , we work every day with businesses who’ve been slowed down—or shut out—by traditional banks. Here’s what we see most often:
Got a game-changing idea for a new product or service—but unsure how to fund the rollout? You’re not alone. Many business owners hit a wall between concept and execution—not because they lack innovation, but because they lack the capital to bring it to life. That’s where smart business financing steps in. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve helped countless entrepreneurs turn ideas into income with funding tailored for launches.
Recessions, inflation, supply chain shocks—economic downturns can feel like a storm you didn’t see coming. But small businesses that survive (and even thrive) during challenging times have one thing in common: They plan ahead and act decisively. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve helped countless businesses navigate uncertainty. Here are some of the top strategies we’ve seen work when times get tough.
When most people think of business lending, they picture big banks and long applications. But in today’s economy, alternative lenders are quietly becoming the backbone of small business growth. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve seen firsthand how alternative financing doesn’t just help individual businesses—it plays a vital role in driving economic expansion, creating jobs, and fueling innovation.
Strong vendor relationships can make or break your operations—especially in industries where supply chains and payment terms are critical. What many business owners overlook? Financing isn’t just for survival or growth—it’s also a powerful tool to build trust with your vendors. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve seen how access to fast, flexible capital transforms not just cash flow—but your reputation.
You’ve heard the saying: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. That advice doesn’t just apply to investing—it’s essential in how you fund your business. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve seen the difference between businesses that rely on one funding source—and those that have options. The difference? Stability, leverage, and long-term growth.
When cash flow feels tight, many business owners hit the brakes on investments. It might seem like the safe move—wait it out, build reserves, and reinvest later. But in reality, delaying the right investment can quietly drain your business. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve seen how hesitation can cost more than action—and we’re here to help you make confident, timely moves.
In business, timing is everything. Whether it's securing a major inventory deal, taking on a new client, or covering unexpected expenses— opportunities don’t wait. And neither should your funding. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we believe that access to fast capital can be the difference between a missed chance and a major win.
When people think of business funding, they often picture large investments—new locations, big equipment purchases, or product expansions. But here’s the truth: It’s the everyday operations that truly drive your business forward. And that’s where working capital comes in.
