What you can do to help protect your personal info

An illustration of a safe and documents that represent personal info that will be secured inside it

Create unique passwords

Use a different password for every account. The longer the password, the more difficult it is to hack.

  • Never include personal info or common words and phrases

  • Combine 3 or more words together to create a phrase that’s meaningful only to you

  • Include numbers, symbols, and both UPPERCASE and lowercase letters

How to strengthen your account security         

Review privacy and security settings

Configure your privacy and security settings across all social media to enable additional controls that help ensure your email address and phone number are not being shared publicly. Limit personal posts and wait until you get home to share travel pics.

Other ways to help protect your data

Check your credit reports regularly

If you notice changes, incorrect information, or suspicious activity, take action immediately. Fraud alerts are free and don’t affect your credit score. Plus, they can be removed at any time.

How to contact credit bureaus         

Monitor changes to your financial accounts

If you notice that one of your accounts has been modified in a way that’s unfamiliar, change your password and check activity for any unauthorized transactions.

How to change your PayPal 
password         

Don’t forget physical docs and cards

Lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks, and credit cards can make identity theft a reality, so leave non-essential cards and documents at home. And shred documents with sensitive info.

Keep your devices updated

Stay current with software security updates on all your devices and only download trusted apps and operating systems. Don’t forget about your kids’ phones, tablets, 
and laptops, too.

How to protect your devices         

Be cautious on public Wi-Fi networks

Don’t access bank accounts or provide personal info when using a public Wi-Fi network—like those at coffee shops, hotels, and airports—because the connection isn’t encrypted and your info can be hijacked by scammers. Virtual private networks (VPN) or mobile data connections can add encryption.

How to safely use public Wi-Fi networks         

Stay vigilant with email and text

Any request for urgent or immediate action, especially from an odd or unfamiliar sender, should be avoided. Never open attachments or click links, even if it’s to unsubscribe. If you’re not 100% certain who’s emailing or texting, don’t reply.

Spot phishing and fake communications         

Use secure methods of payment whenever possible

Payment systems like PayPal make transactions secure to help protect your personal financial info.

Sign up for a PayPal account         

More ways to help safeguard your personal info

Learn more

Knowledge helps keep you in control and your data secure.

Understand the difference between Send Money types

Make sure you know the recipient when sending funds using Friends and Family.

About Send Money types         

Sign up for transaction alerts

Knowing about any and all account activity can help you quickly spot something unusual.

Read the article         

Our Help Center is always available

Find answers to commonly asked questions and get help with your PayPal account.

Visit the Help Center

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Spend, send, and manage your money with confidence.

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