Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as credit card numbers or Social Security numbers, and then uses this information to open accounts or make purchases in your name. Going undetected, identity theft can result in a damaged credit rating. You can prevent theft of your personal information. But first you have to know the techniques used by thieves to acquire your information.
Trash Bins
Some people have a bad habit of throwing old credit card statements and other documents, including their personal information, in trash bins that are easily accessible to thieves. While throwing away these documents helps clear clutter, there is a method to safely discarding your personal files to avoid having your credit card information and identity stolen. For starters, always use a shredder so that documents are beyond recognition. If using a Dumpster to discard documents or if leaving trash bags on the side of a street, avoid clear bags. And if working in an office, remove trash bags from your personal trash bin daily to prevent anyone from accessing your information.
Computer Security
Smart thieves know techniques to hack into computers and swipe information, such as credit card numbers and expiration dates. You can protect your credit cards by installing a firewall on your computer, which is software to stop unauthorized access to your computer files and information.
Safe Shopping
Be extremely cautious when shopping online. Reputable websites install security software to keep your information private. Before buying online and entering any personal information, check the website for security logos. Common logos include a padlock symbol near the fields that ask for your credit card number and expiration date.
Be Suspicious
Do not trust unsolicited emails or telephone calls from banks, mortgage companies or credit card companies that ask for your personal information. Often, these emails and phone calls are attempts to steal your personal information.
Monitor Accounts Online
Creditors and lenders often send monthly statements using the traditional mail. Sometimes, statements become lost in the mail or delivered to the wrong mailbox. This increases the risk of having your credit card and identity stolen. For this reason, it's imperative to watch for statements in the mail, and if a statement doesn't arrive, notify your creditor and monitor your account closely for signs of fraudulent activity. Opting for paperless statements and receiving statements through email can help alleviate this problem.
0 comments:
Post a Comment