Protect Yourself: Information You Should Never Share by Email or Phone

In today’s world, we rely heavily on email and phone communication. They are convenient tools for connecting with friends, family, and businesses. However, it’s absolutely crucial to understand that these channels are not always secure and can be exploited by individuals trying to steal your personal information for malicious purposes like fraud and identity theft. Think of email and phone lines like public streets – while generally safe, they are not private fortresses.

The golden rule is this: Never share sensitive personal information via email or phone unless you are absolutely certain of who you are communicating with and why they need it. This might sound simple, but it requires constant vigilance and a healthy dose of skepticism.

What exactly constitutes “sensitive personal information”? It’s anything that could be used to access your accounts, steal your identity, or cause you financial harm. Imagine your personal information as pieces of a puzzle. On their own, some pieces might seem harmless, but when combined, they can create a complete picture that allows someone to impersonate you or access your private life.

Here’s a breakdown of information you should never share via email or phone, especially if you initiated the contact or if the request feels unexpected:

• Full Social Security Number (SSN) or National Identification Number: This is your key to many important aspects of your life, from banking to healthcare to government services. Legitimate organizations rarely need your full SSN over email or phone. They usually have secure portals or will ask for it in person or through verified mail. Sharing this is like handing someone the master key to your entire financial and personal life.

• Bank Account Numbers and Online Banking Logins: Your bank account details are extremely sensitive. Never provide your account numbers, online banking usernames, passwords, or PINs via email or phone. Banks and financial institutions will never ask for this information through these channels. Treat your banking login credentials like your toothbrush – personal and never to be shared.

• Credit Card or Debit Card Numbers, Expiration Dates, and CVV Codes: This information is essentially a direct line to your money. Just like with bank account details, you should never share these over email or phone. Legitimate businesses will use secure payment gateways on their websites or in person, not unsecured email or phone calls.

• Passwords and PINs for any Accounts: Think of passwords and PINs as the locks on your digital and financial doors. Sharing them is like leaving your doors wide open for anyone to walk in. No legitimate organization will ever ask for your passwords or PINs over email or phone. They already have systems in place to verify your identity through secure login processes.

• Your Date of Birth, Full Name, and Address Together: While individually these pieces of information might seem less sensitive, when combined, they can be used to verify your identity and potentially access accounts. Be cautious about sharing these details together, especially if the request feels unusual or unsolicited.

• Security Questions and Answers: These questions are designed to protect your accounts. Sharing the answers defeats the purpose of security questions. Keep them private and never disclose them over email or phone.

Why is it risky to share this information via email or phone?

• Lack of Security: Standard email and phone lines are not encrypted or inherently secure. Information can be intercepted or overheard.
• Impersonation: It’s incredibly easy for scammers to pretend to be someone they are not. They can spoof phone numbers and create fake email addresses that look legitimate. You cannot reliably verify someone’s identity through these channels alone.
• Phishing and Social Engineering: Scammers are masters of manipulation. They use emails and phone calls to trick you into giving up your information by creating a sense of urgency, fear, or offering enticing rewards.

How to Stay Safe:

• Be Skeptical: If you receive an unexpected email or phone call asking for personal information, be immediately suspicious, even if it appears to be from a familiar organization.
• Verify Independently: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a request, independently verify it. For example, if you receive an email from your bank asking for information, do not reply to the email. Instead, go directly to your bank’s official website by typing the address into your browser or call them using the phone number listed on their official website or your bank statement.
• Never Click on Suspicious Links: Be wary of links in emails or text messages, especially from unknown senders. These links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
• Use Secure Channels: When dealing with sensitive information online, ensure you are using secure websites (look for “https” in the address bar and a padlock icon). For phone communication, if you need to share sensitive information, consider doing so in person at a verified location.
• Question the Need: Ask yourself why the person or organization needs this specific information via email or phone. If it feels unnecessary or unusual, it probably is.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or too good to be true, it likely is. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and protect your personal information.

Protecting your personal information is an ongoing effort. By understanding what information is sensitive and practicing safe communication habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams and fraud. Remember, legitimate organizations prioritize your security and will never pressure you to share sensitive information through unsecure channels like email or phone.