Losing your personal information or identity is extremely violating and increasingly common.
Unfortunately, this is only getting more common with the widespread use of the internet. We think nothing of providing our bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and even social security numbers to sites online. What we rarely think of, though, is how far and wide those supposedly private numbers are traveling.
Many of us take it for granted that our information will be safe and will get where we need it to go. It is far too easy, however, for it to fall into the wrong hands. When it involves sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card and bank account numbers, and more, this can be devastating.
How can you prevent this from happening? You need to rethink how and to whom you provide your personal and financial information.
Begin by recognizing potential trouble spots. For instance, automatic payments are increasingly popular because of the ease and convenience they offer. But are they safe for you to use?
They can. Thieves are easily able to intercept your banking information, and once they have this, they are able to begin making purchases with your money.
E-checks are also very convenient, but they contain all the valuable information that criminals need in order to make fraudulent purchases. To be safe, you can limit checks to in-store use only.
Online bill payment through secure websites, rather than using checks, will also cut down on a criminal?s chance to steal your information.
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, and it is sure to only rise as the economy worsens. Now is the time to take action to protect your personal and financial information.
Do not assume that if you throw away material with personal information, no eyes will ever again look upon it. One of the most common methods of identity theft is rummaging through trash.
Credit card statements, bank statements and other personal identifiers are all in there and will be at a criminal?s disposal. Shredding your documents before they reach the trash can prevent this invasion of privacy and loss of identity.
Before you enter in any personal or financial information online, make sure the site is secure. Look for the lock icon on the address bar that indicates a safe site. You should also be diligent about checking credit card and bank statements, as well as your credit report. This way, you can keep on top of any changes.
Since you are entitled to a free credit report each year, you should take advantage and use it to check for any irregularities. You can also get updates on your report for a small fee that will alert you to any changes.
Keep track of which websites you use. For instance, know the names and web addresses of all your online banks, creditors, and vendors. If your information should become compromised, you can contact them immediately in order to minimize the damage. You can protect your identity: it takes diligence and an understanding of how and where information can be obtained. Take active measures to protect yourself so you don’t fall victim to this crime.
