How To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Identity theft is rampant. Chances are you know someone who was a victim of identity theft. The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. The effects of identity theft are far-reaching. It’s important to know the ways that your identity can be stolen, and how you can prevent this crime from happening to you.
How Thieves Steal Your Identity
There are numerous ways that your personal information can be taken. Some methods are well known and obvious, others are not so well understood. In this age of technology, it can be difficult to secure your information from prying eyes. Here are a few of the more prevalent identity theft techniques:
- Searching garbage. Thieves will look through your trash cans and recycling to find anything with your personal information on it. They’re looking for credit card numbers, names, social security numbers, or any personally identifying information that can be used against you.
- Card skimming. When using your credit or debit card, an employee can “skim” your information using a handheld device immediately gaining access to your finances. Online, malicious merchants can abuse your card number.
- Phishing. No, we’re not talking about trout. Crooks can pretend to be financial institutions to obtain bank account numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information. Spam emails can also contain links to such sites.
- Changing place of residence. Thieves will pretend to be you, call your bank or other businesses you deal with, and divert mail to another location by changing the address on file. It may take you a while to notice you haven’t been receiving those monthly statements.
- Stealing and robbery. When you’re looking away, a savvy crook can snatch your cell phone, wallet, or purse. They can grab pre-approved credit card offers, tax information, and more from various sources. They can even bribe or persuade employees who have access to this information.
- Pretexting. Pretending to be you, thieves can use your personal information to accomplish all kinds of crimes.
That’s scary. With so many ways to steal your identity, do you really have a chance to protect yourself? Yes! You still do! Now that you know how people can use your identity against you, here are some tips on dramatically lowering your chances of being an identity theft victim.
How To Prevent Identity Theft:
- Buy a shredder. Make sure that you shred all documents that contain any personally identifying information. This includes but isn’t limited to credit card offers, envelopes with your name and address, financial documents, and government documents. If you’re a small business owner, make sure you also shred any sensitive information from your customers and employees.
- Shop safe online. The most secure way to purchase items online is through the eBillme payment system. With eBillme, you’ll never be asked for your social security number, bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or date of birth. You’ll be protected from online fraud and save money at the same time!
- Be cautious when clicking email links. Thieves will send bogus spam emails that appear to be your bank’s website, or promise that you’ve won some kind of amazing reward. Instead of clicking the link, visit your institution’s main homepage and search from there. You’ll effectively save yourself from a phishing attack.
- Regularly check your credit report. If you believe you’ve been a victim of identity theft, contact Equifax, Experian, or Transunion. These are credit reporting agencies that will send you a copy of your credit report. You only need to call one company as they are required to contact the other two to put a fraud alert on your record.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of suspicious people, activity, or dangerous situations. This will help you cut down on the threat of loss from theft.
By being knowledgeable and cautious, you can cut down on the chances of becoming an identity theft victim. Don’t become a statistic. Arm yourself with tactics to wipe out identity theft before it becomes a problem.
