Millions of people have their identities stolen each year. Here are steps you can take to greatly reduce your potential risk.<\/p>\n
Beware of the Word \u201cPrevent\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n No person and no product can 100 percent prevent identity theft. Sensitive personal information (SPI) such as banking or credit card account information is everywhere, housed and archived in a mind-boggling variety of ways. When it comes to protecting SPI, exercising vigilance is always your best bet. Be sure to research any product or service that guarantees identity theft prevention.<\/p>\n There Are No Guarantees<\/strong><\/p>\n A number of instances of fraud can be restored to pre-theft status; but, some identity dilemmas simply can\u2019t be fixed. If you\u2019re on the \u201cno-fly list\u201d thanks to an imposter or error, you\u2019ll stay there. A third-party solution cannot deliver a remedy. Once again, research any product or service before enlisting their help in restoring your pre-theft status. You also must realize this restoration takes time, and you need to work through the system for reparation.<\/p>\n Watch for Shoulder Surfers and Skimmers<\/strong><\/p>\n Shield the entry of personal identification numbers (PINs) and be aware of people standing too close when using your credit- or debit-card in public. With the advent of cell phone cameras, a shoulder-surfing thief can get your private information easily if you\u2019re not careful. It\u2019s also advisable to use teller machines that are familiar to you, so you are in a better position to identify when the equipment looks different or doesn\u2019t feel right.<\/p>\n Keep Your Social Security Card Safe at Home<\/strong><\/p>\n There are very few reasons to carry around this crown jewel of SPI. Remember, ID theft and fraud are not exclusively credit-related — thieves can use a clean Social Security number to construct a whole new life.<\/p>\n Before Dumping Your Old Computer: Destroy the Hard Drive<\/strong><\/p>\n Erasing data just enables the computer to write over that space again, it doesn\u2019t actually eliminate the original bits and bytes. Physically remove the hard drive to ensure you\u2019re not tossing out or passing along your personal data.<\/p>\n Choose \u201cForget Me\u201d Instead of \u201cRemember Me\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n How many web sites do you frequent that invite you to enable an automatic log on the next time you visit? Don\u2019t check that box! When convenience trumps confidentiality, you\u2019re asking for trouble. The harder you make it for hackers to follow your trail into an online store or bank account, the better.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Rely on Fraud Alerts or Credit Freezes Alone<\/strong><\/p>\n Fraud alerts are meant to stop an identity thief from opening new accounts in your name. Credit freezes let you restrict access to your credit report, which would also make it hard for someone else to open new accounts. But neither one will stop a thief from trading your SPI for cash or using it for tax fraud or in any of the countless other ways fraudsters exploit stolen identities.<\/p>\n Practice Prudent Posting<\/strong><\/p>\n Online social networking sites enable individuals around the world to chat, share photos, recruit employees, date, post resumes, auction property, and more. Because the web makes it possible for any posted document to link with another, any information you put online has the potential to stay there for what amounts to electronic eternity.<\/p>\n Keep the Key<\/strong><\/p>\n When you check out of a hotel where you were issued a cardkey to unlock the door to your room, don\u2019t leave the cardkey behind. Hold on to it until you\u2019re safely home and can shred or otherwise discard it safely. Some say it\u2019s an urban myth that cardkeys hold vital details like credit card numbers, while others report having tested and confirmed the presence of private data coded into the magnetic strip. Even if there\u2019s no definitive answer, why risk it?<\/p>\n What\u2019s in Your Wallet?<\/strong><\/p>\n Make photocopies of the personal material in your wallet: driver\u2019s license, credit cards, insurance cards, all of it — front and back. Should your wallet be lost or stolen, you won\u2019t be left wondering what was actually taken, and you\u2019ll be able to quickly notify the appropriate agencies about what has happened.<\/p>\n Identify and Avoid Phishing Email <\/strong><\/p>\n Phishing emails are used to fraudulently obtain personal identification and account information. They can also be used to lure you into downloading malicious software. The message will often suggest the recipient\u2019s account has an issue that requires immediate attention. A link will also be provided to a spoof web site, asking the recipient to provide personal details, account information or to download malicious software.<\/p>\n Conduct a Safe Job Search<\/strong><\/p>\n Be mindful about the type of information you include on your resume, especially if it will be posted online. For example, you should never include the following:<\/p>\n You should also never share the personal information listed above with a prospective employer until you are confident the employer and employment opportunity are legitimate. While it’s reasonable in the early stages of the hiring process for employers to ask you for information about your education, training, and qualifications related to a prospective job, don’t provide proprietary information until you’re farther down the road and have conducted due diligence to review the company’s background.<\/p>\n Resource link:<\/p>\n\n