What the Hack? Episode 219: 3 Ways Not to Lose Everything
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Sep 30, 2025 Tom O'Malley, a former federal prosecutor and identity-protection advocate, dives into the world of cybercrime and fraud. He reveals how victims are often presumed guilty by creditors and shares insights from his own experience with identity theft. O'Malley emphasizes practical defenses like credit freezes and alerts to protect against scams. He discusses the alarming trend of generational wealth being drained by transnational crime rings and offers simple strategies for safeguarding your finances, including using bank apps and implementing family oversight.
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Freeze Your Credit Now
- Freeze your credit to block new accounts and reduce fraud risk.
- Use the free statutory links Tom O'Malley published instead of paid upsells.
Monitoring Alerts, Not Protection
- Credit monitoring only alerts you after damage occurs and doesn't prevent account openings.
- Treat monitoring like an alarm, not a locked door.
Why Older Adults Are Targeted
- Criminals target older adults because they hold most of the wealth, not because they're clueless.
- Attackers prioritize where the money is, not age-based stereotypes.
