Ways to Prevent Identity Theft
By Ryan Franklin
Over the past five years 27 million United States citizens have become victims of identity theft. That means that nearly 10% of the total population has been a victim of this crime. An identity thief can strike anyone at anytime. If you think it could never happen to you then you are exactly the type of mark these criminals are looking for.
With all the new technologies available it is incredibly easy for someone to get your information, if they want it. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent identity theft.
By Ryan Franklin
Over the past five years 27 million United States citizens have become victims of identity theft. That means that nearly 10% of the total population has been a victim of this crime. An identity thief can strike anyone at anytime. If you think it could never happen to you then you are exactly the type of mark these criminals are looking for.
With all the new technologies available it is incredibly easy for someone to get your information, if they want it. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent identity theft.
Read Our Cybersecurity and Cybersafety Guides Here.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Trash
While most people are concerned about protecting their information from the high tech identity thieves, there are still many that practice the technique called "dumpster diving". If you just throw away important statements and documents you might as well be handing the criminals your ID on a silver platter.
You should invest in a high quality crosscut shredder. Put every document that has even the smallest bit of personal information through your shredder before you trash it. This includes bank and credit card statements, old bills, credit card offers, and ATM receipts, and even simply documents with your address on them.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Mail
Many people go out of their way to shred their mail, but they do not even think about someone stealing their identity from the mail in their mail box! Stolen mail is one of the main ways that criminals can get your information. If you leave important documents in your outgoing mail, they can simply open up your box and take it. The criminal will surely thank you for not making them go through your trash to get that info.
When you are mailing out important information (such as bills or applications) drop them off at the post office, instead of leaving them in your mail box before you go to work. That little red flag you put up tells any crook that there is something good inside. When you go out of town have your mail stopped, and never leave mail in your mailbox overnight.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Computer
This is the area people worry about the most. We hear a lot about how easy it is for hackers to steal all our information, and how it is unsafe to use credit cards online. The truth is, the internet is probably the safest place for your information if you apply the proper precautions.
I feel safer using my credit card online than I do in the store. Reputable online stores provide secured check out pages that encrypt your personal information. Also, unlike using your card in person there isn't anyone looking at your card (or making a physical copy) that you need to worry about.
Every computer connected to the internet needs to have a high quality internet security system. These programs are constantly updated and do a good job of protecting you from anyone trying to make an assault on your information. Do not skimp on this purchase and make sure you program is constantly update.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Information
If you are quick to give away your private information then none of these other tips will matter. Keep your private information a secret unless it is absolute necessary to give it out. Fake phone surveys are an easy way for a thief to easily get you to hand over private info.
If you get a letter or email that looks to be from your bank, asking to give someone a password or other information always be skeptical. Many crooks will doctor up documents or websites that look official, just to steal your information. It is always better to be too cautious than too loose with your private information.
Prevent Identity Theft With Identity Insurance
While all the above tips are a great start for stopping an identity thief, the truth is it might not be enough to stop a determined criminal. The thieves are getting smarter everyday, and law enforcement is still 10 years behind in protecting you from this crime. Some companies have seen the need for this sort of protection, and have gotten into the identity insurance business.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Trash
While most people are concerned about protecting their information from the high tech identity thieves, there are still many that practice the technique called "dumpster diving". If you just throw away important statements and documents you might as well be handing the criminals your ID on a silver platter.
You should invest in a high quality crosscut shredder. Put every document that has even the smallest bit of personal information through your shredder before you trash it. This includes bank and credit card statements, old bills, credit card offers, and ATM receipts, and even simply documents with your address on them.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Mail
Many people go out of their way to shred their mail, but they do not even think about someone stealing their identity from the mail in their mail box! Stolen mail is one of the main ways that criminals can get your information. If you leave important documents in your outgoing mail, they can simply open up your box and take it. The criminal will surely thank you for not making them go through your trash to get that info.
When you are mailing out important information (such as bills or applications) drop them off at the post office, instead of leaving them in your mail box before you go to work. That little red flag you put up tells any crook that there is something good inside. When you go out of town have your mail stopped, and never leave mail in your mailbox overnight.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Computer
This is the area people worry about the most. We hear a lot about how easy it is for hackers to steal all our information, and how it is unsafe to use credit cards online. The truth is, the internet is probably the safest place for your information if you apply the proper precautions.
I feel safer using my credit card online than I do in the store. Reputable online stores provide secured check out pages that encrypt your personal information. Also, unlike using your card in person there isn't anyone looking at your card (or making a physical copy) that you need to worry about.
Every computer connected to the internet needs to have a high quality internet security system. These programs are constantly updated and do a good job of protecting you from anyone trying to make an assault on your information. Do not skimp on this purchase and make sure you program is constantly update.
Prevent Identity Theft by Protecting Your Information
If you are quick to give away your private information then none of these other tips will matter. Keep your private information a secret unless it is absolute necessary to give it out. Fake phone surveys are an easy way for a thief to easily get you to hand over private info.
If you get a letter or email that looks to be from your bank, asking to give someone a password or other information always be skeptical. Many crooks will doctor up documents or websites that look official, just to steal your information. It is always better to be too cautious than too loose with your private information.
Prevent Identity Theft With Identity Insurance
While all the above tips are a great start for stopping an identity thief, the truth is it might not be enough to stop a determined criminal. The thieves are getting smarter everyday, and law enforcement is still 10 years behind in protecting you from this crime. Some companies have seen the need for this sort of protection, and have gotten into the identity insurance business.
Read Our Cybersecurity and Cybersafety Guides Here.
For only the price of a movie ticket each month you can be sure that your good name will be safe. This protection is even backed by a $1,000,000 guarantee. If you would like to sleep easy at night knowing you and your family are safe from identity theft just Click Here>> [http://www.squidoo.com/identityinsurance]Identity Insurance.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Prevent-Identity-Theft&id=1628897] 5 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft
For only the price of a movie ticket each month you can be sure that your good name will be safe. This protection is even backed by a $1,000,000 guarantee. If you would like to sleep easy at night knowing you and your family are safe from identity theft just Click Here>> [http://www.squidoo.com/identityinsurance]Identity Insurance.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Prevent-Identity-Theft&id=1628897] 5 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft
prevent identity theft,identity theft protection,identity insurance,stop identity theft,credit scam
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