Preventing Identity Theft—6 Tips You Need to Know
Identity theft has become an all too common problem in the last couple of
years, and more than ever before people need information in regard to
preventing identity theft.
It’s scary to think that someone can steal your private personal and
financial information without you having any idea that it’s happened—until
you find out that you’re greatly in debt or wanted for a crime. Fortunately,
there are some simple, basic steps that you can take to prevent identity
theft and protect yourself.
1. Shh! This first rule is extremely simple, be quiet. Hold your tongue
whenever anyone asks you for your social security number or other
information over the telephone or online unless you are the one initiating
contact and know for certain who you are talking to.
2. Watch your back. It’s easy to let your guard down when using a debit card
at an ATM or making a purchase in a department store. However, it is simple
for someone to look over your shoulder and get your account and PIN numbers.
3. Shred, shred, shred. Whenever you are throwing out old bank statements,
credit card receipts, canceled checks, preapproved credit card offers, or
any item for that matter that has your financial information on it, use a
shredder or tear them into tiny pieces. It’s amazing how many people will go
through people’s trash or even make trips to the dump to find just these
types of documents.
4. Monitor! Check your bank statements and credit card statements frequently
and carefully. Be alert to any activity that is questionable or that you are
not responsible for. If you find anything amiss, call your bank immediately
and put a hold on your accounts. Most banks and credit card companies will
not hold you financially responsible for purchases or withdrawals you
haven’t made or authorized, but you must let them know as quickly as
possible.
5. Practice computer safety. The most important thing you can do to protect
yourself from online identity theft is to install firewall software on your
computer. This makes it very difficult for someone to hack into your
computer and steal your personal information. Even if you spend little time
on your computer, you will want to be certain it is as safe as possible, so
invest in firewall software. You won’t regret it.
6. Beware of spam. Spammers have become quite sophisticated in their methods
for obtaining personal information and make their emails seem quite
official. A good rule of thumb is to never click on a link in an email that
is asking for updated financial information or any other type of personal
information. If you feel the email could be genuine, go to the website
directly, not through a link that may redirect you to a phony website.
Preventing identity theft may seem impossible but by using these steps and
being cautious with your personal information, you can greatly reduce the
chances that it will happen to you.
