Scammed.Hacked.Shaken.

Pick someone you trust to help you get back in if you're locked out. They can't see your account, email or data. They only help confirm it's you.

If someone grabs your phone while it's unlocked, these settings stop them from changing your passwords or locking you out.

Scammers can move your number to their phone and get your sign-in codes. Ask your phone company to turn on SIM protection and a port-out lock. They must offer both for free. While you're at it, write down your phone's IMEI (its serial number): dial *#06#. You'll need it if your phone is ever stolen.

Verizon: SIM Protection + Number Lock (My Verizon app) · T-Mobile: SIM Protection + Port Out Protection · AT&T: Wireless Account Lock (AT&T app)

A second step, like a code or your face or fingerprint, stops most people who steal a password. Start with your email and your bank, then everything else that offers it. If an app offers a passkey or an authenticator app, pick that over text-message codes.

A freeze stops anyone from opening new credit in your name. It's free, it doesn't hurt your credit score, and it lasts until you lift it. You have to contact all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can lift it for a day when you apply for a loan or card.

A password manager remembers your passwords for you. It makes a different strong password for every account, so one leaked password doesn't open everything else. It also won't fill in your password on a fake website, which helps you spot a scam link. Lock it with one long passphrase you'll remember, and turn on 2-step sign-in for it.

Scammers can copy a loved one's voice from a short video online and call you crying for help. Agree on a secret word or phrase with your family, and ask for it on any call asking for money in a hurry. Don't post it or text it. Say it in person.

1. The call says it's your grandson, daughter or friend, and they need money now.
2. Ask for the safe word. No word, no money.
3. Hang up and call them back on the number you already have.

Real family won't ask you to pay with gift cards, a wire transfer or crypto. Scammers will.

This free 6-digit code stops anyone else from filing a tax return in your name and taking your refund. Anyone with a Social Security number or ITIN can get one. You get a new PIN each year, and you put it on your tax return.

The IRS will never call, email or text to ask for your PIN. Anyone who does is a scammer.

Get a text or app notice every time money leaves your account. You'll catch a fake charge the same day, not weeks later on your statement. Open your bank's app (or each card's app), find Alerts or Notifications, and turn on alerts for every purchase, withdrawal and transfer, plus password or phone number changes.

A real alert never asks you to click a link or read back a code. If it does, call the number on the back of your card.