Staff writer

Ethan Cruz

Writes mostly about identity theft & fraud prevention.

Articles by Ethan Cruz

Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
How Stolen Mail Turns Into Counterfeit Checks, and Who Pays When They Bounce
Mail theft and fake-check schemes lure ordinary account holders into deposits that can leave them owing the bank, so knowing the warning signs is the first line of defense.
Ethan CruzNov 3, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Identity Compromised? Lock Down Accounts and Credit Files Before Fraud Spreads
A structured sequence of account lockdowns, official reports, and credit freezes can stop identity misuse from spreading while you sort out what was taken.
Ethan CruzOct 31, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
How to Report Identity Theft to the FTC and Lock Down Your Accounts
An official FTC report gives banks and credit bureaus the documentation they need to act, but only if you file through verified .gov channels and avoid the impersonators who target victims.
Ethan CruzOct 23, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
What to Do First When Someone Steals Your Identity
Early signals, a formal FTC report, and a careful verification habit give you the strongest start toward containing the damage and rebuilding your credit.
Ethan CruzOct 16, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Identity Theft Warning Signs and the Steps That Limit the Damage
Recognizing early red flags, filing the right reports, and verifying every contact can help you contain identity fraud before losses grow.
Ethan CruzOct 9, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Extended Fraud Alert: Who Can Get One and What to Verify First
Extended fraud alerts are tied to identity theft victims, but the sources we reviewed leave duration, cost and eligibility details open. Here is what is known and what to ask.
Ethan CruzOct 1, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Your SSN Was Stolen? Start With the FTC Report, Then Lock Down Your Credit
Report to the FTC, ask the credit bureaus for a fraud alert and freeze, and call your banks. Here is what the sources confirm and what they leave open.
Ethan CruzSep 24, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
How to Get an IP PIN Online and Shield Your Tax Account from Fraud
A six-digit Identity Protection PIN blocks thieves from filing fraudulent returns in your name, and the IRS portal is the fastest way to get one.
Ethan CruzSep 17, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Tax Return Filed With Your Information? Which IRS Page to Open First
The IRS splits identity theft help across several pages. Here is what each one covers, and what our sources could not confirm.
Ethan CruzSep 9, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
What Credit and Identity Monitoring Can and Can't Do
Both services alert you after your information has already moved, so knowing exactly what each one tracks helps you avoid paying for protection you don't need.
Ethan CruzSep 2, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
After a Data Breach Notice: Freeze Your Credit, Verify Facts, and Watch for Follow-Up Scams
A breach letter signals risk but not proven fraud, so start with a free credit freeze, official recovery steps, and regular report checks rather than acting on urgent calls or links.
Ethan CruzAug 26, 2026
Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
Reading a Data Breach Notice: What to Check and Who to Ask
Vague breach letters are becoming the norm, so focus on the data types named, your accounts and credit reports, and direct questions to the company.
Ethan CruzAug 19, 2026

Ethan Cruz

Articles by Ethan Cruz

How Stolen Mail Turns Into Counterfeit Checks, and Who Pays When They Bounce

Identity Compromised? Lock Down Accounts and Credit Files Before Fraud Spreads

How to Report Identity Theft to the FTC and Lock Down Your Accounts

What to Do First When Someone Steals Your Identity

Identity Theft Warning Signs and the Steps That Limit the Damage

Extended Fraud Alert: Who Can Get One and What to Verify First

Your SSN Was Stolen? Start With the FTC Report, Then Lock Down Your Credit

How to Get an IP PIN Online and Shield Your Tax Account from Fraud

Tax Return Filed With Your Information? Which IRS Page to Open First

What Credit and Identity Monitoring Can and Can't Do

After a Data Breach Notice: Freeze Your Credit, Verify Facts, and Watch for Follow-Up Scams

Reading a Data Breach Notice: What to Check and Who to Ask