- Research the broker’s security measures
Before you begin working with an online mortgage broker, do some research to find out what security measures they have in place to protect your information. Look for brokers that use encryption to secure your data and have other security protocols in place, such as two-factor authentication and firewalls. You can also look for brokers that have certifications from reputable third-party organizations that certify their security measures.
- Use a secure connection
When communicating with your online mortgage broker, make sure you’re using a secure connection. This means using a secure website (look for “https” in the URL) and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks when sharing sensitive information. Instead, use a private, secure Wi-Fi connection or a wired connection.
- Use strong passwords
When setting up your account with your online mortgage broker, make sure you choose a strong, unique password. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “password” or “123456.” Instead, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Be cautious with emails and phone calls
Be cautious when receiving emails or phone calls from your online mortgage broker. Scammers may try to impersonate your broker in order to steal your information. If you receive an email or phone call that seems suspicious, verify the identity of the person contacting you by calling your broker directly or using a different email address to contact them.
- Monitor your accounts
Keep a close eye on your financial accounts during the mortgage application process. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately to your bank or credit card company.
- Use a credit monitoring service
Consider using a credit monitoring service to keep track of your credit report and receive alerts if there are any changes or suspicious activity. This can help you catch any potential identity theft or fraud early on and take action to protect yourself.
