The post Seniors Lost $4.9 Billion to Scammers in 2024: How to Recognize and Avoid Financial Fraud first appeared on iDefend.
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- Seniors Lost $4.9 Billion to Scammers in 2024: How to Recognize and Avoid Financial Fraud
In this article
In 2024, senior citizens across the United States suffered over $4.9 billion in losses due to scams and fraudulent schemes, according to a recent FBI report. The scale and sophistication of these scams have intensified, making older adults prime targets for criminals using both old tricks and new digital tactics. Understanding how these scams work and learning how to spot them can be critical for avoiding financial disaster.
This article will break down the most common types of scams targeting seniors in 2024, explain why older adults are especially vulnerable, and provide practical strategies to protect yourself or a loved one.
Why Are Seniors Targeted?
Scammers often see seniors as ideal victims for a variety of reasons:
- Financial stability: Many older adults have retirement savings, own their homes, or receive regular Social Security benefits.
- Trust in authority: Seniors are more likely to believe someone claiming to be from a legitimate organization, such as the IRS or their bank.
- Isolation: Those living alone may be more receptive to phone calls or messages from strangers.
- Less digital fluency: Seniors may not be as familiar with scam tactics involving email, social media, or cryptocurrency.
Common Types of Scams in 2024
1. Tech Support Scams
Scammers pose as tech support agents from well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple. They claim your computer has a virus and request remote access to “fix” it. Once inside, they may steal data, install ransomware, or demand payment for fake services.
2. Government Impersonation Scams
These scams involve callers pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare. Victims are told there’s a problem with their account or benefits and must verify personal information or send payment to avoid arrest or loss of benefits.
3. Romance Scams
A scammer builds an online relationship with a senior through dating apps or social media. Once trust is built, they fabricate a crisis—like needing money for a hospital bill or travel—and convince the victim to send funds.
4. Grandparent Scams
A criminal poses as a grandchild or family member in distress, often saying they’re in jail or injured and need money urgently. The scam relies on emotional manipulation and pressure to act quickly.
5. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Scammers promise high returns on investments or introduce seniors to fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. These scams often use fake websites, testimonials, and pressure tactics to get victims to part with their savings.
6. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
Seniors receive calls, emails, or letters claiming they’ve won a large prize but must first pay taxes or processing fees. In reality, there is no prize, and any money sent is lost.
7. Online Shopping Scams
Fake websites or ads on social media sell items that are never delivered. Seniors may also fall for subscription traps that are hard to cancel.
8. Utility Scams
Scammers call pretending to be from the electric or water company, threatening to shut off services unless immediate payment is made.
9. Charity Scams
Criminals exploit seniors’ generosity by pretending to be from a legitimate charity, especially after natural disasters or during the holiday season.
10. Medical and Prescription Scams
Fraudsters offer discounted medications or medical devices online that are either fake or never arrive, or they pose as Medicare representatives to steal sensitive information.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Recognizing a scam in progress can be difficult, especially when scammers are highly convincing. Here are key red flags:
- You receive unsolicited calls or emails asking for personal or financial information.
- There is a sense of urgency or fear: “Act now or lose everything.”
- You are asked to pay in unusual ways (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency).
- Someone refuses to provide written documentation.
- The offer sounds too good to be true.
If any of these occur, pause and verify before proceeding.
How to Protect Yourself
1. Don’t Share Personal Info Over the Phone
Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive data like your Social Security number or banking information over the phone. Always hang up and call back using a verified number.
2. Use Call Blocking Technology
Install a call-blocking app or activate spam filters on your phone to reduce robocalls and potential scam attempts.
3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Whenever possible, add an extra layer of security to your online accounts using 2FA, which requires a password and a one-time code sent to your device.
4. Keep Your Devices Updated
Software updates often include critical security patches. Keeping your devices up to date reduces vulnerabilities scammers can exploit.
5. Check with Family Before Sending Money
Always verify emergency requests with another family member, even if the caller insists on secrecy.
6. Research Charities Before Donating
Look up charities on sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
7. Be Skeptical of High-Pressure Tactics
If someone is rushing you to make a decision or trying to make you panic, that’s a major red flag.
8. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Use a strong password for your home Wi-Fi to prevent others from accessing your internet and potentially stealing your data.
9. Review Bank and Credit Card Statements Regularly
Look for unusual charges and report anything suspicious immediately.
10. Enroll in Identity Monitoring Services
Services like iDefend offer real-time fraud alerts, dark web scans, and expert assistance to monitor your personal information and protect you from scams.
How to Tell If It’s a Scam
When in doubt, remember these simple rules:
- Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency.
- Verify independently. Look up official contact information online before taking action.
- Talk to someone you trust. A second opinion can save you from making a costly mistake.
Scammers are evolving, but so can your defenses. Awareness is your first line of protection—and with the right tools, you can outsmart even the most convincing con artist. Stay alert, talk to loved ones, and consider services like iDefend to support your safety journey.
Take Action: Protect Yourself with iDefend
With scams on the rise, seniors need more than just awareness—they need protection. iDefend offers comprehensive tools to help safeguard your identity and finances:
- Real-time fraud alerts
- Expert assistance with suspicious activity
- Removal of your personal data from data broker sites
- Guidance on how to avoid phishing and scam attempts
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Stay informed, stay cautious, and take control of your safety. Learn more about how iDefend can help you and your loved ones stay protected in today’s digital world.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take control of your digital safety today with iDefend. Try iDefend risk free for 14 days now!
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]]>The post Phantom Debt Collection Scams first appeared on iDefend.
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- Phantom Debt Collection Scams
What You Need to Know
Scammers posing as debt collectors are harassing people with aggressive calls to collect on debts they don’t actually owe. These fraudulent “phantom debt” collectors:
- Use false threats or intimidation to pressure victims
- Demand payments on non-existent or unauthorized debts
- Violate federal laws by skipping required disclosures and notices
- Sometimes involve employers, unlawfully damaging reputations
These scams are not only financially harmful—they’re also emotionally distressing, especially for individuals unsure of their rights or whether the debt is real.
What You Should Do
If you receive a suspicious debt collection call, don’t engage or share personal information. Here’s what you should do instead:
Stay calm and ask for a written “validation notice”
- This must detail the alleged debt and explain your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- Legitimate collectors are legally required to send this via regular mail
Never give personal or financial information over the phone
- You can’t confirm who’s really calling
Verify legitimacy before paying anything
- If the notice appears valid, contact the original creditor—not the caller—to confirm they authorized the debt collection
Know your rights
- Debt collectors cannot threaten arrest, contact your employer about the debt, or collect on debts they know are false
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
[email protected]
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]]>The post Coinbase Impersonation Scams Targeting Crypto Holders first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - Coinbase Impersonation Scams Targeting Crypto Holders
What You Need to Know
paste text hereCybercriminals are increasingly posing as Coinbase representatives to trick users into giving up sensitive information or sending cryptocurrency to fraudulent wallets. These scammers use emails, texts, and phone calls that sound urgent and alarming—often claiming your account has been compromised or flagged. From there, they ask for login details, two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, or direct crypto transfers under the pretense of “protecting” your assets. These tactics are designed to create panic and manipulate your trust. And since these scams often mimic Coinbase’s real communications, they can be easy to fall for unless you know the red flags.
What You Should Do
Preventing Coinbase impersonation scams starts with knowing how legitimate companies like Coinbase operate—and staying alert to anything suspicious. Here are steps to protect your assets and personal information:
- Do not respond to unsolicited messages claiming to be from Coinbase.
- Always verify the sender’s identity through official Coinbase channels.
- Never share your password, 2FA codes, or private keys—not even with someone claiming to be Coinbase support.
- Legitimate staff will never ask for this information.
- Avoid clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited emails or texts.
- Access Coinbase by typing the URL directly into your browser or using the official app.
- Use strong security settings:
- Enable 2FA on your account.
- Set a unique, complex password.
- Turn on withdrawal allow-listing so funds can only go to approved addresses.
- Look out for signs of a scam:
- Messages with poor grammar or spelling.
- Requests to “verify” your account urgently.
- Pressure to act quickly or face consequences.
- Unusual wallet addresses or payment instructions.
- Report and block scammers immediately.
- If in doubt, contact Coinbase support directly via their website.
- You can also report scams to the FTC or your local cybersecurity agency.
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
[email protected]
The post Coinbase Impersonation Scams Targeting Crypto Holders first appeared on iDefend.
]]>The post T-Mobile Data Breach Exposed Millions to Identity Theft first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - T-Mobile Data Breach Exposed Millions to Identity Theft
What You Need to Know
In 2021, T-Mobile suffered a major data breach affecting approximately 76 million customers. Hackers stole highly sensitive personal information—including names, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, addresses, and account PINs. This information has been sold on the dark web and can be used for identity theft, credit fraud, or smishing attacks (fraudulent texts pretending to be from T-Mobile). This was T-Mobile’s sixth breach in four years, highlighting an ongoing risk for its customers. While a class action settlement has been reached and payouts are underway, the threat of scammers exploiting the situation remains high.
What You Should Do
If you were affected by the T-Mobile breach—or even if you’re just a customer—you must stay vigilant against follow-up scams and take steps to secure your identity. Here’s what to do:
Watch for fake settlement messages:
- Do not click links in texts or emails claiming to be about the T-Mobile settlement.
- Never share personal or financial info with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Visit only the official settlement site if you have questions or want to check your claim.
Secure your mobile account:
- Update your T-Mobile account PIN.
- Enable extra security features like account locks or alerts.
Monitor your identity:
- Keep an eye on your credit reports and bank accounts.
- Consider identity theft monitoring services.
Ignore payment requests related to the settlement:
- You do not need to pay anything to receive compensation.
Check for additional payments:
- If funds are left over from the $350 million settlement, victims will receive extra compensation automatically.
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
[email protected]
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]]>The post Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe Online first appeared on iDefend.
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- Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe Online
In this article
In today’s always-connected world, staying safe online is no longer optional—it’s essential. From phishing emails to sneaky malware and data-harvesting apps, there are countless ways your personal information can fall into the wrong hands. But the good news? A few proactive steps can go a long way in protecting your digital life. Here are the top 10 internet safety tips every adult should know and practice.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account
Passwords are your first line of defense. Using the same password across multiple accounts makes it easy for hackers to gain access if just one site is compromised.
- Tip: Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
- Bonus: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible for an extra layer of security.
2. Beware of Phishing Scams
Phishing emails and texts are designed to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. These scams often mimic trusted companies or government agencies.
- Watch for: Urgent language, grammatical errors, and strange-looking URLs.
- Pro Tip: Never click links or download attachments from unknown senders. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s website.
3. Keep Your Software and Devices Updated
Outdated software is one of the easiest entry points for cybercriminals.
- Action Step: Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, browser, and apps.
- Why it matters: Updates often include critical security patches that close vulnerabilities.
4. Use Secure Wi-Fi and a VPN
Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s not secure. Hackers can easily intercept your data on an unprotected network.
- Solution: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
- At Home: Always secure your Wi-Fi with a strong password and disable remote access.
5. Be Cautious About What You Share Online
Oversharing on social media can make you a target for identity theft or scams.
- Avoid: Posting your full birthdate, address, or vacation plans.
- Remember: Even “private” posts can be screenshot or shared.
6. Recognize and Avoid Suspicious Downloads
Malware often comes bundled with free software or fake updates.
- Tip: Only download apps or programs from official app stores or the developer’s website.
- Red Flag: Pop-ups urging you to install software to fix a problem you didn’t know existed.
7. Shop Smart and Securely Online
No, we don’t mean keep your online shopping habits a secret from your husband. What we mean is online shopping is convenient but can also be risky.
- Check for: HTTPS in the website URL (the “S” stands for secure).
- Avoid: Entering payment info on websites you don’t recognize or trust.
8. Limit Personal Information Shared With Apps
Many apps collect more data than they need. Location, contacts, and microphone access are commonly abused.
- Action: Review and limit app permissions in your phone’s settings.
- Example: A flashlight app doesn’t need access to your contacts or microphone.
9. Understand Common Online Threats
Knowing what you’re up against helps you stay alert.
- Phishing: Trick emails or texts trying to get your personal info.
- Malware: Software designed to harm or spy on your device.
- Ransomware: Malicious software that locks your files and demands payment.
10. Regularly Monitor Your Online Presence
Even with the best precautions, breaches can happen.
- Tip: Google yourself periodically to see what information is publicly available.
- Tool: Use identity monitoring services to track data breaches and alerts.
How iDefend can Help!
Staying safe online isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. By following these internet safety tips, you can dramatically reduce your risk and build a safer digital life. Remember: the internet is a powerful tool, but only when used wisely. Stay informed, stay alert, and stay protected.
Online threats evolve daily, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. iDefend’s Privacy Plan helps you:
- Set up effective parental and personal controls
- Remove your personal information from data brokers and unsafe sites
- Monitor your digital footprint and receive real-time alerts
- Get expert help whenever a security issue arises
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take control of your digital safety today with iDefend. Try iDefend risk free for 14 days now!
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]]>The post SnapChat is Not Safe! What Every Parent Needs to Know first appeared on iDefend.
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- SnapChat is Not Safe! What Every Parent Needs to Know
In this article
Snapchat may seem like harmless fun to your teen, but beneath its flashy filters and disappearing messages lies a network that can quietly expose young users to serious risks. From sexting to predators and from mental health challenges to a lack of parental control, Snapchat presents a host of concerns for families. If you’re wondering, “Is Snapchat safe for kids?”—this article is for you.
How Snapchat Works—and Why It’s Risky
Disappearing Messages
At the heart of Snapchat is its signature feature: disappearing content. Teens can send text messages, images, and videos that vanish seconds after being viewed. While this may seem fun and temporary, it can also create a false sense of security. Screenshots or screen recordings can preserve these messages forever—without the sender’s knowledge.
Snap Map and Stories
Snap Map shows users’ real-time location on a map, sometimes down to the exact address. Teens can unintentionally share their whereabouts with people they barely know. Stories, another popular feature, allow users to share content viewable by all their friends—or even the public.
Strangers Can Easily Add Teens
Snapchat allows anyone to search for and add users by username, phone number, or Snapcode (a scannable image). This means that predators or strangers can easily find and initiate contact with young users—even if the teen thinks their profile is private.
The Discover Tab: A Hidden Threat
The Discover tab curates content from publishers and influencers. Despite content restrictions for minors, inappropriate material—including sexually suggestive videos, profanity, and adult topics—still appears. Even with content filters on, this tab can expose your child to mature themes.
The Real Dangers of Snapchat for Teens
Sexting Between Peers—or Worse, With Strangers
Snapchat’s disappearing message feature has made it a go-to platform for sexting among teens. The illusion of temporary content encourages risky behavior. Even worse, predators often exploit this feature to manipulate minors into sending explicit photos or videos.
According to a 2023 Thorn report, 1 in 5 minors has shared explicit images online, often through apps like Snapchat. When sexting involves adults or is coerced, it becomes a crime—and a lifelong trauma for the victim.
Grooming and Predator Access
Predators use Snapchat to build relationships with teens through private chats, flattery, or offers of friendship. This process, known as grooming, can lead to the teen sharing private content, meeting in person, or becoming subject to blackmail (also called “sextortion”).
Mental Health Issues
Snapchat and social media in general create pressure to constantly engage and compare. Teens may feel:
- FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Watching friends’ Snap Stories can cause anxiety or a feeling of exclusion.
- Self-esteem issues: Filters and unrealistic portrayals of life can harm a teen’s self-image.
- Addiction and distraction: The app’s streak feature (rewarding users for daily messaging) can create an unhealthy obsession.
No Accountability = Risky Behavior
Because Snapchat messages disappear, there’s often no evidence left behind. This lack of accountability emboldens risky behavior, including bullying, harassment, sexting, and drug-related conversations. Teens feel like they can’t get caught—and that’s a problem.
Why Parents Have So Little Control
Minimal Parental Controls
Snapchat provides very few built-in parental controls. Unlike other apps, there’s no centralized dashboard for parents to monitor messages or activity.
No Content Filtering on Discover
Parents can’t block or customize the content shown on the Discover tab. Even with age settings in place, kids can still be exposed to inappropriate or harmful media.
Ephemeral Messaging Makes Oversight Nearly Impossible
Since messages vanish after being viewed, parents can’t review past conversations—even if they’re concerned. This makes it difficult to detect abuse, bullying, or manipulation until it’s too late.
What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Teens
Start with an Honest Conversation
Talk to your teen about the dangers of Snapchat. Avoid scare tactics, and instead explain how certain behaviors (like sharing photos or chatting with strangers) can have serious consequences.
Watch for Behavioral Red Flags
Changes in mood, secrecy about phone use, sudden anxiety, or withdrawal from family can be signs your teen is dealing with digital issues. If your teen hides their phone or becomes defensive when asked about it, it’s worth digging deeper.
Use Parental Control Tools
While Snapchat itself offers little help, you can still install third-party parental control apps that:
- Monitor screen time
- Alert you to new apps
- Track general device activity
Options include Bark, Qustodio, Norton Family, or the iDefend Family Safety system.
Set Clear Boundaries
Create screen time rules:
- No phones in bedrooms at night
- Social media use only in shared family spaces
- Set daily time limits
- Require permission before downloading new apps
These ground rules reduce secretive behavior and promote accountability.
Consider Limiting or Removing Snapchat
If your child is under 13 or unable to use Snapchat responsibly, consider disabling the app or using parental controls to block access. Explain your reasoning: their safety matters more than fitting in.
Real-Life Example: A Snapchat Sextortion Case
In 2022, a 13-year-old boy named Ryan from Michigan was targeted by a predator posing as a teenage girl on Snapchat. Ryan was manipulated into sending explicit photos, then blackmailed for money and more images. Overwhelmed, Ryan took his own life.
His parents are now advocating for stricter regulations and more parental awareness around social media use. Snapchat played a central role in this heartbreaking case—a stark reminder that the stakes are real.
The Numbers Tell the Story
- 67% of teens say they’ve received a message from a stranger on Snapchat (Common Sense Media, 2022)
- 45% of teens admit to using apps to hide content from their parents (Pew Research Center, 2022)
- 1 in 4 teens report feeling worse about themselves after using social media platforms like Snapchat (SmartSocial)
These stats reinforce that Snapchat dangers for teens aren’t rare—they’re common.
Snapchat can be a digital minefield. From predators to pornographic content and disappearing messages that erase the evidence, it’s no longer enough to assume your teen will navigate this world safely on their own.
Take an active role in your child’s digital life. Ask questions. Set limits. And be ready to step in if something feels off. The internet is not a playground—it’s a battleground for your child’s safety and mental well-being.
Take the Next Step with iDefend
Your teen deserves protection, and you deserve peace of mind. iDefend’s Family Safety features help you:
- Monitor phone and app activity
- Set up alerts for risky behavior
- Block access to harmful content
- Get expert support when you need it most
Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Be proactive. With iDefend, you’re not just reacting to danger—you’re preventing it.
Protect your teen. Protect your family. Learn more about iDefend today.
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]]>The post Mother’s Day Scams Are on the Rise first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - Mother’s Day Scams Are on the Rise
What You Need to Know
Mother’s Day is meant to be a time of love, reflection, and appreciation—but it has also become a prime target for scammers. Cybercriminals know this holiday drives high spending and online shopping, making it the perfect time to launch fake gift offers, phishing emails, and fraudulent websites. You may see social media ads, email promotions, or texts offering steep discounts on flowers, jewelry, clothes, or tech gadgets. But once you click the link, you could either hand over your credit card details to a fake store or unknowingly download malware that silently records your keystrokes—capturing logins, passwords, and financial information.
Even legitimate-looking websites can be traps. Just because a site appears at the top of a Google search or looks professional doesn’t mean it’s safe. Scammers often use paid ads and SEO manipulation to give their fake pages visibility and credibility. And if you use a debit card or enter your personal details on a non-secure site, the consequences can be financially devastating.
What You Should Do
Protecting yourself during holiday shopping seasons—especially online—is about using caution and verifying legitimacy at every step. Follow these smart shopping tips to keep your information and money safe:
- Avoid unfamiliar retailers unless you’ve verified their reputation.
- Google the company name with the word “scam” or “reviews.”
- Look it up on the Better Business Bureau, FTC, or your state attorney general’s website.
- Don’t click on links in emails or social media ads, especially if the deal seems too good to be true.
- Instead, type the retailer’s web address directly into your browser to go to the official site.
- Watch out for minor misspellings in domain names, which are often signs of phishing scams.
- Check the website’s security before entering any information.
- Only shop on sites that begin with https (not just http) and display a padlock icon in the address bar.
- Avoid sites that redirect you multiple times or have pop-ups asking for sensitive information.
- Use a credit card—not a debit card—for all online purchases.
- Credit cards offer better fraud protection and limit your liability if something goes wrong.
- Consider using a virtual credit card number from your card issuer for extra security.
- Use Google Safe Browsing to check if a site is flagged as suspicious:
- Visit: https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search
- Watch out for phishing tactics.
- Do not open attachments or click on links in unsolicited emails.
- If a company you know reaches out with an offer, go to their site manually to verify it.
- Be cautious about too-good-to-be-true offers.
- A $120 necklace for $10 or a bouquet at 90% off is usually a red flag.
- Scammers rely on urgency and emotional appeal to lower your guard.
Taking these steps can help ensure your Mother’s Day gift doesn’t turn into a cyber nightmare. A little caution now can protect your finances—and your personal information—from long-lasting damage.
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
[email protected]
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]]>The post Your Roomba Snaps Pictures of You! How Smart Products Capture Personal Information About Your Family first appeared on iDefend.
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- Your Roomba Snaps Pictures of You! How Smart Products Capture Personal Information About Your Family
In this article
The Shocking Reality: A Roomba Captures Private Moments
In 2020, a woman participating in a development program for iRobot’s Roomba J7 series was subjected to an egregious breach of privacy. While she was using the toilet in her own home, the robot vacuum snapped photos that were later leaked and posted to private Facebook groups. These images were not supposed to be seen by anyone outside the testing program, yet they made their way to the public.
iRobot, the company behind Roomba, explained that these were pre-production units used for training AI systems, not the commercial models sold to the public. The devices were provided to contractors who agreed to allow image and data capture for research. Even so, the shocking reality remains: if test products can gather intimate images that later end up online, what’s stopping your own smart devices from doing the same?
These images were eventually accessed by third-party contractors working for Scale AI, a company hired to help improve iRobot’s artificial intelligence. This highlights a significant issue with today’s smart tech: the more companies and people who have access to your data, the more likely it is that it will leak, be stolen, or be misused.
Amazon’s Ecosystem: A Closer Look at Data Collection
Amazon owns iRobot, and this incident is far from an isolated case within their portfolio of smart home devices. From Roombas that take photos to Alexa recording your voice, and Ring cameras capturing your doorstep and beyond, Amazon has created an ecosystem that constantly collects personal information under the guise of convenience.
Every command you give Alexa is stored. Every video your Ring camera captures is potentially accessed by others. Even when you ask Amazon to delete your recordings, it has been reported that some of that data may still remain on servers or be retained longer than expected. In 2023, Amazon was fined $25 million for violating children’s privacy laws by keeping Alexa voice recordings from kids even after deletion requests.
And it doesn’t stop there. Amazon’s Ring product was fined $5.8 million for giving unnecessary access to private videos. Employees and contractors reportedly had the ability to watch videos recorded in users’ homes. Some of these videos included sensitive footage of families inside their own residences—without their knowledge or consent.
Amazon claims these actions are intended to enhance the user experience or improve AI, but they raise a deeper question: how much privacy are you willing to give up for convenience?
The Broader Landscape: Other Tech Giants and Privacy
While Amazon takes much of the heat, other major players like Google and Apple also participate in data harvesting. Google’s Nest devices can detect motion, listen for sounds, and integrate with your home’s ecosystem to gather behavioral data. Apple’s HomeKit, while marketed as privacy-first, still gathers metadata and usage patterns that can be leveraged.
Even smart light bulbs, thermostats, and baby monitors are collecting user data—such as when you’re home, your habits, and your preferences. A study by Surfshark Research Center found that most smart home apps request access to far more personal data than they need, including your location, contacts, photos, and more. In the hands of companies that profit off data, your privacy becomes a currency.
What makes this more concerning is the lack of consistent regulation across the board. Some companies encrypt and anonymize data; others do not. Consumers are left navigating a maze of privacy policies that are dense, confusing, and often misleading.
Understanding the Legal Framework
The reason companies can legally collect and use your personal information is because you “agree” to it—usually by clicking “I Accept” on lengthy user agreements. These agreements are designed to protect the company, not you.
Most users don’t read the full terms and conditions. And even when they do, the language is often so complex that understanding the full extent of data collection is nearly impossible. These terms often grant the company rights to use your data for product improvement, marketing, AI training, and even to share with third-party vendors.
While some privacy laws exist, such as the GDPR in Europe or the CCPA in California, they often do not go far enough—or lack meaningful enforcement. Even with these laws in place, companies find loopholes and workarounds that allow them to continue harvesting your information.
The bottom line? You may technically own your smart home devices, but the data they collect doesn’t belong to you—it belongs to the company.
Protecting Your Family: Steps to Enhance Privacy
You don’t have to surrender your home’s privacy just because you want to enjoy smart tech. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:
- Review Privacy Settings: Go into each app or device and adjust the privacy and security settings. Turn off voice recording history, disable camera features when not in use, and opt out of data sharing where possible.
- Limit Device Placement: Avoid putting devices like Roombas, security cameras, or smart speakers in bathrooms, bedrooms, or other private areas. Stick to common areas where privacy concerns are lower.
- Disconnect When Not in Use: Many smart devices do not need to be on 24/7. Power off or disconnect them from Wi-Fi when they’re not being used to minimize passive data collection.
- Regularly Delete Data: Most smart device apps allow you to delete voice recordings, videos, or browsing histories. Make this a regular habit.
- Use Firewalls or Network Isolation: Set up a guest network on your Wi-Fi for your smart devices. This keeps them isolated from your computers, phones, and more sensitive data.
- Educate Your Household: Make sure everyone in your home—especially kids—understands the risks. Even something as innocent as asking Alexa a question can be stored and analyzed.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Keeping your smart devices updated ensures you have the latest security patches and privacy enhancements.
iDefend’s Privacy Plan: Your Partner in Data Protection
Let’s face it—managing privacy settings, reading terms of service, and removing personal information from data brokers is overwhelming. That’s where iDefend comes in.
iDefend’s Privacy Plan includes everything you need to protect your family’s digital footprint. Our advisors will help you configure your devices for maximum privacy, set up secure networks, and remove your personal information from online databases. We can help identify if your devices are collecting more than they should and ensure you take back control of your data.
You wouldn’t let a stranger film your family in your home—so why let a robot vacuum do it?
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]]> - Data Breaches Are Out of Your Control
What You Need to Know
No matter how carefully you guard your personal information, you remain vulnerable to the security practices of the companies, institutions, and government agencies that collect and store it. In 2024, data breaches surged to over 12,000 incidents—a 34% increase from the previous year—affecting more than 1.35 billion people globally. One of the most troubling examples is Verisource Services, a major provider of HR outsourcing and benefits administration, which took over a year to complete a digital forensic investigation following a February 2024 breach. Initially, the company alerted only 55,000 individuals. By April 2025, they admitted that nearly 4 million people had been affected, with Social Security numbers among the compromised data. This kind of delayed and inadequate response leaves victims exposed to a higher risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and further exploitation. And sadly, these types of slow-moving disclosures are not unusual.
What You Should Do
While you can’t control how companies manage your data, you can reduce your exposure and make it harder for thieves to use stolen information. Start by refusing to give out your Social Security number unless it is absolutely necessary—medical offices, for example, often ask for it, but rarely need it. Next, freeze your credit with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian). It’s free, takes only a few minutes, and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name—even if someone has your full identity profile. Monitor your credit reports weekly using the official site AnnualCreditReport.com, which now offers free access from all three bureaus.
Stay alert for suspicious activity by regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements. If you want to know whether your email address or personal info has appeared in known data breaches, use HaveIBeenPwned.com. Be cautious of emails or phone calls claiming to help with a data breach—scammers often use these events as cover to collect even more personal information. Never click on unexpected links or download attachments unless you’ve verified the source. And under no circumstances should you share sensitive information in response to a phone call, text, or email without confirming its legitimacy through a trusted, official channel.
Would you know if your Social Security number was floating on the dark web right now?
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
[email protected]
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]]>If a thief stole your phone today, could they steal your identity too?
The post iPhone Theft and Identity Risks first appeared on iDefend.
]]> - iPhone Theft and Identity Risks
What You Need to Know
iPhone theft remains a widespread issue, with millions of devices stolen each year in the U.S. alone. Thieves often target iPhones not just for the resale value, but for the sensitive personal data they can contain. If a phone is not properly secured, criminals may gain access to bank accounts, personal records, and other information that can lead to identity theft. The combination of physical device theft and data exploitation makes it critical for users to take security seriously.
What You Should Do
To protect against both theft and identity fraud, iPhone users should take several key steps. First, enable Stolen Device Protection from Apple, which requires two-factor authentication, a secure passcode, biometric login (Face ID or Touch ID), and Significant Locations enabled in Location Services. This adds a critical layer of security—even if a thief knows your passcode.
Use a strong passcode and avoid simple combinations. For added protection, turn off Wallet access when locked by navigating to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggling off “Wallet” under “Allow Access When Locked.”
Lastly, avoid storing unencrypted passwords on your phone and disable autofill by going to Settings > Passwords > Autofill Passwords and switching off the autofill option. These precautions help prevent unauthorized access and protect your personal data even if your iPhone is stolen.
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
[email protected]
The post iPhone Theft and Identity Risks first appeared on iDefend.
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