Be careful what information you give over the phone, especially if you aren’t expecting a call.
How to deal with a cyberstalker
Let me tell you, more and more victims of cyberstalking are reaching out to me for advice using my Ask Kim page. Here’s one note I received recently from P.W. in Oklahoma:
“I’ve been cyberstalked for three years. I recently discovered it was my roommate. I moved out and he launched another attack. He’s on my and my fiance’s phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth — everything. He has stolen financial data, pictures, erased accounts, taken over emails and harassed me through VOIP. … He admitted to sitting outside our house all night. I thought he was spying on me. Now I know he was also gaining access to my Wi-Fi. I can’t do this anymore and need expert advice/help terribly.”
This is truly awful. First, it’s always a good idea to file a police report. This way, you have things on record. Unfortunately, the police won’t come into your home and lock down your digital life — but you have me.
The good news: There’s a lot you can do right now to lock out a jerk. The bad news: It’s a lot of work, but I promise you it’s worth it — and it’s so much better than sitting around wondering what your stalker will do next.
Start with a list
What accounts, passwords and devices do you believe he has access to? Sit down and make a list of all you can think of. Check your browser’s saved passwords for inspiration.
One by one, sign out of each account on every device, then change every single password. A password manager will help you generate new, strong passwords no one can guess.
Just to get you thinking, here are some other sites and platforms you should check and update your passwords for:
- Every email account you have.
- Banking, Social Security, 401(k) and other financial sites.
- Social media accounts, along with sites like Nextdoor.
- Cloud storage platforms, including Apple iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, along with any online backup accounts.
- Online shopping sites or anywhere else you’ve saved or entered your credit card information (think streaming media).
- Any apps you use on your phone or tablet.
I have steps here to change your password for several major sites, including Amazon, Netflix, Facebook and Spotify.
Upgrade your router
So many people forget just how much info someone can access if they know the login info for your router. Theoretically, they can see what you do online and what devices are connected.
Security camera warning: This brand is missing a key privacy feature
There are plenty of reasons to install a video doorbell at your home. The most significant benefit for many is seeing who walks to the front door. Tap or click for a handy product that solves the Ring doorbell’s biggest problem.
Synthetic identity fraud: That’s when scammers steal a kid’s Social Security number and add bogus names, birth dates and email addresses to create fake personas. They open credit cards, max them out and leave a trail of debt. Have a kid age 13 or younger? Fill out this form to see if they have a credit report. Freeze it if they do.
Has your SSN been leaked? Here's how to check
Hackers leaked 2.9 billion records, with personal details like Social Security numbers, addresses, and more. Find out if you’ve been impacted.
Social Security recipients get a 2.5% raise in January: Scammers are on it. The increase will show up automatically in your bank account or as a check in the mail, no action needed. If anyone contacts you asking for “extra steps” to get your raise, it’s a scam. Report any suspected fraud.
2.5% cost-of-living increase
Added to Social Security benefits in 2025. The max benefit will increase to $5,108 per month. FYI, if you get Supplemental Security Income, you’ll see two payments hit next month: Nov. 1 and Nov. 29.
Security warning: Watch out for Social Security scammers
Since much information is tied to your Social Security number, scammers often look for ways to get their hands on it. A recent change to Social Security benefits has scammers out in full force, and you must know how to protect yourself.
Ready for retirement? This tool will estimate your monthly Social Security benefits
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming. How much money will you need? When should you start saving? Can you retire within the next few years, or will you be working longer than you expected?
Social Security is just one of the many things you must consider when making retirement decisions. You also need to be aware of Social Security scams out there. Tap or click for 6 sophisticated scams fooling even the savviest internet users.
Lock your credit files immediately
Another huge data breach — 2.9 billion records exposed, including Social Security numbers. Here are the quick steps you need to take right now to protect yourself.
Every American's Social Security number could be up for grabs
Hackers leaked 2.7 billion records from National Public Data, including SSNs. What does this mean for you? Plus, dynamic pricing at grocery stores, Google’s new game-changing updates, and Ford’s latest ‘do not drive’ alert.
🚨 I told you about this already: It’s finally hit mainstream news that hackers leaked 2.7 billion records from National Public Data. Translation: Every American (and residents in the U.K. and Canada) may have their full name, address, date of birth, phone number and Social Security number up for grabs. Protect yourself and freeze your credit today!
⚠️ 2.9 billion records leaked: Background-check company National Public Data may be responsible for one of the biggest data breaches in history. A lawsuit claims their negligence exposed 2.9 billion Social Security numbers, full names, addresses and so much more on the Dark Web. We all need to freeze our credit. Steps here.
That Social Security email isn't a scam
If you got an email from the Social Security Administration this week, you might be tempted to toss it in the trash. But here’s why you shouldn’t and what you should do next.
🚨 Social Security emails: The U.S. Social Security Administration just sent out a mass email saying you need to create a Login.gov account. It’s legit. To create yours, head to Login.gov, go to Sign in at the top of the page and select Create an account. They also recommend an authenticator app. I like Google Authenticator.
SSN sharks: The FTC says Americans lost over $126 million to Social Security scams last year. Reminder: The real SSA won’t slide into your DMs, rush you or threaten to suspend your SSN. Stay sharp, folks.
Scam alert! This spoofed phone call looks so convincing
If there’s one thing we know about cybercriminals, it’s that they’ll do whatever it takes to take advantage of you. Most are very organized and use sophisticated techniques that are always changing to stay ahead of software patches and law enforcement.
The shocking price of your info on the Dark Web
Open/download audioHow much do you think a cybercriminal would pay for your passwords, debit card info or even your Social Security number? The answer will surprise you. Find out your worth on the web.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 ways to get your unclaimed money even if you checked before
There’s something attractive about the idea of buried treasure. And that’s how it feels when you find unclaimed money just lying around waiting for you to claim it. Here are some free places to search to find money that belongs to you.