Personal identity crimes have steadily increased as more of our daily lives move online. From shopping and banking to healthcare and social media, personal data now travels across dozens of platforms—and cybercriminals know it.
That’s why many retailers, banks, and digital services now require multi-factor authentication, fraud alerts, and verification steps before transactions can be completed. These safeguards exist because accidentally sharing personal information with the wrong party can quickly lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or account takeovers.
Recent identity crime data shows just how widespread these risks have become.
$12.5B
lost to fraud by U.S. consumers in 2024.
85%
of identity misuse attempts target financial accounts.
1.1M+
identity theft reports filed with the FTC in 2024.
As more personal information is shared online, cybercriminals continue to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems and individual habits. The good news is that protecting your identity online doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge. By understanding common scams and following a few best practices, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Below are key do’s and don’ts to help safeguard your personal identity online.
Do’s & don’ts to guard against personal ID theft
Strong cybersecurity isn’t built on complex tools—it’s built on thoughtful habits practiced consistently. These refined do’s and don’ts offer practical guardrails that help safeguard your identity, your assets, and your peace of mind.
01
Online shopping
Online shopping is convenient—but it’s also one of the most common ways cybercriminals attempt to collect personal data.
What you should do
- Shop with reputable retailers you recognize or have researched.
- Check that the website uses “https” encryption before entering personal or payment information.
- Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, which signals a secure connection.
- Shop on private, trusted Wi-Fi networks instead of public hotspots.
- Review app privacy and security settings before storing payment information.
- Regularly monitor your statements for unauthorized charges.
- Use a credit card with a limited spending threshold rather than a debit card connected directly to your bank account.
- Be cautious of emails requesting sensitive details like passport numbers, credit card numbers, or driver’s license information.
- Contact retailers through their official website or phone number rather than replying directly to suspicious emails.
- Trust your instincts if a deal seems too good to be true.
What you should avoid
- Conducting transactions on websites that only show “http” instead of “https.”
- Trusting websites that display fake security icons or poorly designed checkout pages.
- Using free public Wi-Fi networks when entering sensitive information.
- Saving passwords on shared devices.
- Using debit cards linked directly to your bank account for online purchases.
- Sharing personal information before confirming a retailer is legitimate.
- Responding directly to suspicious emails requesting account details.
- Forwarding phishing emails or suspicious messages.
02
Making charitable donations safely
Cybercriminals often take advantage of major events, natural disasters, or the holiday season by creating fake charities or impersonating legitimate nonprofits.
What you should do
- Contact the charitable organization directly using their official website or verified phone number.
- Donate through trusted fundraising platforms or the organization’s official donation page.
What you should avoid
- Providing personal financial information to unknown phone solicitors or unsolicited email requests.
- Clicking donation links in unexpected emails or social media messages.
03
Email safety: recognizing phishing attempts
Many large data breaches start with a simple phishing email. As explored in AI’s Increasing Role in Data Leaks, attackers are now using artificial intelligence to craft more convincing phishing messages, making vigilance more important than ever.
What you should do
- Open messages only from senders you recognize or expect.
- Be cautious of embedded links or attachments.
- Watch for red flags such as:
- Poor grammar or spelling
- Generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
- Urgent warnings requiring immediate action
- Delete suspicious messages immediately
What you should avoid
- Clicking links in emails unless you verify the sender first.
- Assuming that familiar logos or branding guarantee legitimacy.
- Downloading attachments from unknown sources.
04
Securing your devices and accounts
Your devices—phones, laptops, and tablets—store significant amounts of personal information. Keeping them secure is a critical part of identity protection.
What you should do
- Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Keep operating systems and apps updated with the latest security patches.
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
- Consider using a password manager to securely store login credentials.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.
- Completely wipe or destroy hard drives before recycling or donating old devices.
What you should avoid
- Ignoring system updates or security patches.
- Recycling devices without fully removing stored data.
- Using the same password across multiple accounts.
- Allowing browsers to automatically store sensitive passwords.
Signs your identity may have been stolen
Even with strong security habits, identity theft can still occur. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you act quickly and limit potential damage.
Here are some common indicators that your personal information may have been compromised:
- Unfamiliar charges on your bank or credit card statements. Even small charges can be a sign that someone is testing whether your account is active.
- Unexpected notifications about new accounts or credit inquiries. If you receive alerts about credit cards, loans, or accounts you didn’t open, it could indicate that someone is attempting to use your identity.
- Missing bills or unexpected mail. A sudden change in billing statements or mail from unfamiliar companies may signal that your mailing address has been changed or your identity is being used elsewhere.
- Denied credit or loan applications. If you’re unexpectedly denied credit, it may be because fraudulent accounts have already been opened in your name.
- Password reset emails or login alerts you didn’t request. These notifications could mean someone is attempting to gain access to your online accounts.
If you notice any of these signs, act quickly by contacting your financial institutions, reviewing your credit reports, and updating passwords for your online accounts.
Consider personal cyber insurance
Even with strong security habits, cyber incidents can still occur. That’s why many individuals are exploring personal cyber insurance coverage.
Often available as an add-on to homeowners insurance policies, personal cyber insurance may help cover costs associated with:
- Identity theft recovery
- Cyber extortion or ransomware
- Online fraud
- Data breach expenses
- Digital asset restoration
Because policies vary widely, it’s important to review the details with an insurance professional to understand coverage limits and exclusions. Personal cyber coverage is often part of a broader strategy to help protect families from modern digital risks. You can learn more about how family protection insurance can help address personal cyber threats, online fraud, and identity theft.
The Baldwin Group’s bottom line
Identity theft and cybercrime are growing risks in an increasingly connected world. But awareness and proactive habits can significantly reduce your exposure.
By verifying websites, protecting passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and securing your devices, you can help keep your personal information safe.
Protecting your digital identity also means being mindful of how much personal information is publicly accessible online. The Baldwin Group explores this topic further in keep your online profile secure to protect you, your family, & assets, which outlines practical steps individuals can take to limit online exposure.
Your digital life deserves strong protection, and the right guidance can help you stay one step ahead.
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For a deeper look at how threats are evolving explore our Cyber Q&A: you asked, we answered.
Learn moreThis document is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. The Baldwin Insurance Group Holdings, LLC (“The Baldwin Group”), its affiliates, and subsidiaries do not guarantee that this information is, or can be relied on for, compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional advice. The Baldwin Group does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Furthermore, The Baldwin Group does not assume any liability to any person or organization for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any reliance placed on that content. Persons requiring advice should always consult an independent adviser.
