Avoiding Identity Theft

 Unless you have been hiding under a rock lately, you will be well aware that there is a new breed of criminal. The levels of Online Identity Theft have reached new heights.

 Why should you protect yourself? For a start, someone who steals your identity can obtain credit, insurance or even somewhere to live. If they commit a crime with your stolen identity you may be arrested and the onus is on you to prove your innocence.

Here are some quick tips to make sure you don’t fall victim to online identity theft:

• Whenever you use your credit or debit card, you are entitled to obscure 12 of the 16 numbers. Use a pen and delete the first 12. Credit card details are needed to steal your identity and obtain credit in your name so take this out of the equation first.

• Don’t give out your social security number unless it’s required. Banks may ask for it and that’s fine but some businesses may ask for it to generate an ID. You are not entitled to do this so find a compromise with them.

• Shred your used personal documents. Think of your social security details, lender statements, phone company bills and even medical receipts. Before you destroy anything, make sure you won’t need them again. It will be virtually impossible for someone to steal your identity now.

• Don’t give out personal details on the phone unless you have initiated the conversation. Some companies call you from “xxx cellular” and ask to go through some security questions, asking for your mother’s maiden name etc. Online Identity Theft criminals use these techniques often so don’t give them this info and ask them to put it in writing instead.

• If you use a home wireless network, make sure it is secured. It is easy for criminals to locate an unsecured network with a wireless card, and then use special software to hack your banking sites and passwords. Get a new router with special security. This is a common problem and one of the main causes of online identity theft.

• If you think your identity has been stolen you need to do the following; first contact your bank and credit card company and request an immediate cancellation and replacement. Speak to one of the main three credit bureaus to issue a fraud alert. File a police report which can be later used as evidence for creditors. Contact the Federal Trade Commission, who manage a database of online identity theft cases and file a report. This report can be used by investigating officers and will save you time.

• Above all, use your intuition. Don’t carry your credit card numbers and don’t take extra ID if you don’t need it. If you eat in restaurants, take the receipt home with you.

 

<< Previous    [1]  2    Next >>