Identity theft' this is a most serious crime plaguing people today. If you have been the prey of this, you know it can have serious repercussions. It can be very troublesome clearing your credit, getting into debt, losing money and even possible to get into trouble with the law. It could be difficult in obtaining a job or a place to live. Landlords do check applicants' credit reports.
Thieves need your credit card numbers, name, address, social security number and other personal data to hijack your identity. Once the thieves do this, they can open bank accounts, make purchases, apply for loans, try for new credit cards, get government benefits and forge checks with your name on it.
Should you be a victim, contact the authorities immediately. From here, you can apply for identity theft insurance. The option is available on some homeowner's policy. Having the insurance doesn't guarantee that no one won't still your identity; it only helps you recover should you be a victim.
Be careful with your personal data, as this is the best prevention. You won't know until afterwards that someone has stolen it.
Listed below are six ways thieves can get your identity:
Steal your wallet that contains your credit cards and other information;
Go through trashcans for personal data;
Providing personal information through e-mail or registration based websites;
Pretending to be a new creditor, offering you credit;
Eaves dropping on conversations or looking over your shoulder as you use your information;
Pretend to promise awards or prizes by e-mail.
There are four transactions that can cause worry. They are:
Online banking;
Online purchases;
Storing personal information on computer;
Using social security information for ID purposes.
It does not mean you should ignore these types of transactions just be careful when you do and do not give out your personal information.
However, this does not necessarily mean that you should avoid these
transactions. It means that you should be careful when giving away your personal and financial information. Be aware of how your use it and your financial information to stop identity theft altogether.
There are 11 tips to follow to safeguard your information' personal and financial.
- Remember your social security number.
- Remember your PIN numbers.
- For passwords, use something hard not a birthday or a maiden name.
- Protect your computer against Spywares by installing and updating firewall software.
- Confirm a website's legitimacy when it asks for personal data.
- Beware of e-mails with attachments from some you do not know or asks you to click on links
- When websites are asking for personal data they should be secured. Two ways this happens is the 'S' in https and the lock on the websites next to the address bar.
- Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you made the initial contact.
- Should you lost or misplaced your credit cards, contact the company and cancel them.
- Easier said than done but pick your mail up as soon as it is delivered.
- Don't get rid of financial and personal data in public areas.
By safeguarding this information, it will make it harder for thieves to obtain your identity. Know what you are throwing away and practice these eleven rules.
Always remember to shred, cut up or puncture any documents that contain any of the personal data. That includes all credit cards, used checks and identity cards. They could eventually get into the wrong hands.
Should you think something is amiss, report it at once, getting it in black and white.
About the Author:
Abhishek is a Personal Security expert and he has got some great Identity Theft Prevention Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 136 Pages Ebook, "Identity Theft - Don't Be The Next Victim!" from his website http://www.Survival-Today.com/14/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.