What Is Identity Theft And How To
Avoid It?
Identity theft refers to impersonation of your personal data by
antisocial elements who try to steal your money in some way or the other. The
internet is such a great tool that simplifies our life but it has also its
downside. At various points of time, we share important information online
thinking that they are insignificant. Some of the details we share online
without thinking of the consequences are our full name, phone numbers,
residential address, your date of birth, work place address, credit card
details, policy numbers, debit card information and other such sensitive data.
These might look like bits and pieces of information and individually they may
not have any special significance. However when they are compiled, one can
easily reconstruct your profile and misuse it robbing you of your money.
Identity theft has become a sort of institutionalized crime with people
systematically working on stealing information. Identity thieves also use your
profile in other situations such as fraudulent transactions, job applications,
terrorist activities, fraudulent driving licenses etc.
Ways to prevent identity theft
Are you scared to read about all these and wondering how to prevent identity theft? Here are
few important tips that show you how to avoid identity theft.
One of the important pieces of information that every identity thief
will require is your social security number. You should not share your social
security number randomly with people. Do so only when you think that it is
necessary. It is not a good idea to carry your social security card in your
wallet. It is also not a good idea to share them online.
Invariably, all of us use computers and use them extensively to shop
online. Make sure that your computers are fully secured. You should have the
latest or the most up to date antivirus program installed in your computer and
it should be enabled all the time. Keep your firewalls in your computer turned
on all the time. Do not forget to install anti-spyware program in your computer.
These security measures will help you save you from identity theft and it will
also prevent credit card theft. Another important factor to remember here with
regard to credit card identity theft is
that you should check your credit card statements carefully for purchases or
expenses that you have not incurred.
It is also a recommended good habit to get your own annual credit
report. This will help you keep a tab on your identity and if there is
something wrong, you will be able to take immediate action to rectify the
situation.
One of the major reasons for identity thefts is our own carelessness. We
are reckless with our personal information. Basic precautions will go a long
way in protecting your online identity and your credit card. Always access
online shopping sites from a fully secured computer and use only trusted online
stores to shop. Think twice before you share any sensitive personal information
online.
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