Simple Tips To Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft is a growing concern for many people. Spotlighted often on the news and shows like Dateline, identity theft is a very scary subject and can cause the victim all kinds of emotional pain and financial trouble.
Identity theft can occur in numerous ways such as by someone using your social security number, checks, credit cards, drivers license and much more.
Luckily, there are many easy tips you can use to keep yourself more secure. By no means will they be completely effective but they can make you less likely to be a random victim.
Documents are the biggest problem for most people. From bank statements to medical bills, you get mail constantly that is full of your personal information.
You would think in this computer-centric world, they could finally put a stop to all of these paper bills and documents and just send you everything electronically but thats not going to happen yet.
Until it does, make sure you shred everything that has your personal information on it. This can be a daunting task to do by hand so an electric shredder is the best way to go.
The shredded paper is great for rodent bedding if you have children with small pets or want a pet.
In addition to documents, there are many things that should be common knowledge but can be overlooked. Never carry your checkbook, birth certificate, or social security card in your wallet or purse.
Checks are absolutely horrible. They not only have your personal information, they have your bank account number and routing number right there. Some people even put their social security number right on the check!! DO NOT do that.
Never send you social security number in an email. Email is not secure.
At one time, every organization you were connected with wanted your social security number. That trend is dying these days, but it became apparent that no one is entitled to your social security number unless connected to your employment or taxes. By giving this precious information to so many that did not really require it, older Americans have essentially created a database out there that says “victimize me”. Their social security numbers are housed in countless places that they should not be. Years ago, identity theft was not an issue. (We had never heard of it!)
If you order goods online, be sure the checkout area is secure and that all the data is encrypted. Encrypted data looks like garbage text to the casual observer. Only encryption decoding software (the same software that did the enrypting) can read this information.
Do not repond to any emails asking for your personal information, even if it looks legitimate. Do not click links to update pages. Credit card companies, banks, and the like, DO NOT operate this way. They’ll never ask you for information in an email and will never ever provide a link to a sensitive page or information. Ever.
If you pay bills online, take advantage of any extra security measures offered to you, such as security questions with special answers. These things may seem like a nuisance when you’re in a hurry, but they’re there to protect you and your money.
A little common sense and knowledge can go a long way in protecting you from identity theft.
Category: Identity Theft