The target of identity theft is typically your bank and credit card accounts, social security number, and the various personal identification numbers needed to access those accounts. It’s hard to protect yourself from a determined thief, but there are lots of things you can do to make it less likely you’ll fall victim to this crime.
If you want to keep your risk to a minimum, here’s what you need to be aware of.
1. Personal computer: These days, it’s ridiculously easy for someone to hack into your computer files from anywhere in the world. Never neglect installing software that protects your system from spyware and viruses. And don’t forget a firewall. And these days, there is some good identity theft software available that gives you added protection from hackers. Your first step is to use a password that’s hard to crack in order to keep your information safe. It should be at least eight to ten characters in length. It should include both letters and numbers. Make sure it’s not too simple to figure out, such as your kid’s name and birth date.
2. Garbage: If it’s garbage to you, you’re usually pretty confident no one else wants it. But the fact is that thieves often dig through trash cans to obtain any kind of personal details that can be used to assume your identity. Major targets are those credit card solicitation letters. It’s critical that these are completely destroyed before they leave your house.
3. Mail: For many people, it would never even cross their mind to lock their mailbox. But your mailbox is a prime target for someone who’s after your personal information. Think about all the financial documents that are sent to your home via the mail. A thief can do a lot of damage with just your bank and credit card statements.
4. Lockers: If you’re serious about identity theft protection, any place you store your handbag or wallet needs to be locked securely. It’s not just the locker at the gym either, it’s also the one where you work. Use your own lock if you can so it’s harder for a thief to get hold of a duplicate key.
5. Handbag and wallet: Always be aware of and protect either of these two things. The purse or wallet of just about everyone has more than enough information for an identity thief to achieve his purposes. This means your bank card, checkbook and credit cards, as well as the personal identification numbers you have stored (which you’re not supposed to).
6. Information: Be careful who you give out information to. It’s easy to disguise a request for your personal information as coming from a legitimate organization, but sometimes it’s really someone just posing as your bank or credit card customer service representative. This is possible on the phone and through the internet. Giving out details of confidential matters can just be second nature in these cases.
Identity theft is a growing problem, and many people are worried that they will become victim to this faceless crime. That’s why it’s so important to learn some tips on how to protect yourself from identity theft. Learn more about how to protect yourself at Identity Theft Facts.
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