CIPA Client Education & Protection Strategies 3

Question 1

A client is setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA). Which MFA method is considered MOST secure?

Accepted Answer

A hardware security key (e.g., FIDO2/YubiKey)

Answer

Hardware security keys are resistant to phishing and SIM-swapping attacks, making them the strongest common MFA option.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of 'synthetic identity theft'?

Accepted Answer

Combining a real SSN with fabricated personal information to create a new identity

Answer

Synthetic identity fraud merges real elements (often a legitimate SSN) with fictional details to build a new credit identity that is harder to detect.

Question 3

A client's child has never applied for credit but receives a debt collection notice. This is MOST likely an example of:

Accepted Answer

Child identity theft using the minor's SSN

Answer

Children's SSNs are prime targets for identity thieves because they are clean records that may go undetected for years.

Question 4

When advising clients on safe disposal of sensitive documents, which method is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Cross-cut shredding all documents containing personal information

Answer

Cross-cut (confetti) shredding renders documents unreadable and is the recommended method for destroying sensitive personal information.

Question 5

A CIPA advisor is working with an elderly client concerned about phone scams. Which tactic is MOST commonly used in phone-based identity fraud targeting seniors?

Accepted Answer

Impersonating IRS or Medicare officials to demand immediate payment or information

Answer

Government impersonation scams — particularly IRS and Medicare fraud — are among the most prevalent phone-based schemes targeting older adults.

(CIPA) Certified Identity Protection Advisor Practice Test

(CIPA) Certified Identity Protection Advisor Practice Test

CIPA Client Education & Protection Strategies 3