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.
When you apply for business funding, your application goes through a critical stage—underwriting. This is where lenders evaluate risk and determine whether your business qualifies for financing, and under what terms. Understanding what underwriters look for can help you strengthen your application, avoid delays, and increase your approval odds.
Not every business enjoys a steady stream of income. For many companies—especially those in seasonal industries, contracting, or project-based work—revenue can shift dramatically from month to month. These ups and downs are normal, but they can make managing cash flow, payroll, and operating expenses challenging. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we understand that fluctuating revenue doesn’t mean instability—it just means you need the right financial tools to stay balanced and grow confidently.
The Challenge of Hyper-Growth For many startups, growth isn’t the problem—it’s managing it. Rapid scaling demands capital for hiring, marketing, technology, and operations. But too often, founders find themselves cash-strapped right when they need resources the most. Choosing the right financing strategy can be the difference between sustainable growth and burning out too soon.
When it comes to business financing, the terms you secure are just as important as the funding itself. Lower interest rates, flexible repayment schedules, and higher approval amounts can mean the difference between simply surviving and setting your business up to thrive. The good news? Business owners often have more negotiating power than they realize. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we’ve seen firsthand how preparation and strategy can help secure stronger terms. Here’s how you can do the same:
For many businesses, waiting on customer payments can feel like standing still when you’re ready to move forward. Delayed invoices, extended payment terms, or slow collections create cash flow gaps that make it harder to cover expenses, pay employees, or seize new opportunities. The truth is—even successful, profitable companies face this challenge. The key isn’t avoiding it, but managing it strategically with the right funding solutions
Securing business funding is a milestone—but the real impact comes from how you put that capital to work. Every dollar borrowed should fuel momentum, strengthen operations, and generate measurable returns. Unfortunately, too many businesses stop at “getting approved” and miss the chance to maximize their return on investment (ROI). At Lexington Capital Holdings, we believe funding isn’t just about access to capital—it’s about creating opportunity. Here’s how to ensure your financing delivers the highest ROI:
In today’s fast-paced business environment, standing out from the competition requires more than just great products and services—it takes strategy, timing, and smart financial decisions. One of the most overlooked tools in building and maintaining a competitive advantage is business financing. When leveraged correctly, financing doesn’t just help you “get by”; it can actually position your business to outpace competitors and capture new opportunities.
In business, surprises aren’t a matter of if—they’re a matter of when. Whether it’s a sudden equipment breakdown, an unexpected dip in sales, or a market shift that requires quick adaptation, unforeseen expenses can test even the most successful companies. The difference between thriving and struggling often comes down to how well you’ve prepared.
When most business owners hear the word debt, it sparks feelings of stress or risk. But here’s the truth—debt isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, when managed strategically, debt can become one of the most powerful tools to grow, stabilize, and scale your business. At Lexington Capital Holdings, we work with business owners every day who are navigating this very question: Is taking on debt the right move for me? Let’s break down the difference between “good” and “bad” debt so you can make informed financial decisions.
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.
