Identity Theft What Is It How To Prevent It | 188 Views
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Posted : Monday, Nov 1, 2010 - YvonneRice.com Editor
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You’re expecting a huge bill in the mail and it doesn’t come. Don’t be relieved – it may have been stolen and this could be just the beginning of a nightmare. You could be one of the 9 million Americans the Federal Trade Commission is talking about. If you receive mail from an unknown source about something you know nothing of, don’t just dismiss it as junk mail. Look more closely at what it talks about – if it suggests things you haven’t done - bought something, held a job or rented a premise – it could mean something very sinister. It could mean an identity theft – which is the name given to the scenario when someone uses your personal identification details to carry out fraudulent activities in your name without your knowledge.
Play detective
Your bank and credit card statements could be the first clue. Take time to scrutinize these documents and check that all is in order. If you happen to notice something that looks like an error, get in touch with the concerned authorities at once – you may be able to prevent further damage.
Think back to all the places you entered in some personal information – your office, the dentist, the resume you mailed to a prospective employer or the prestigious club you’re a member of. There’s always a chance that simple details like your date of birth and social security number have found their way into the wrong hands.
Facebook or Social Media Platforms
Make sure you remove from your profile anything that has your date of birth visible to anyone viewing your profile. This includes where you live, your cell/mobile number and your eduction or business credentials. These platforms are now being trolled by crime syndicates around the world pulling off millions of unsuspecting profiles who have all the information they need to creat your identity.
These profiles provide scammers with full name, full date of birth, addresses, mobile numbers, email addresses as well as school and business credential - perfect information for idetity theft.
Secure your PC
Equip your personal computer with the appropriate anti-virus software and anti-spyware. The Internet is one of the main hunting grounds of identity thieves. Protect yourself when you’re online. Get your wireless Internet connection encrypted. Select passwords that are strong and difficult to guess. Don’t blindly enter personal details on any site you browse. While shopping online, check the credentials of the site you’re buying from.
Destroy redundant data
Whether it’s an outdated bank statement or a DVD you’re disposing, take care that you destroy it beyond recognition. Shred documents that carry any form of personal identification. A lot of input for identity thefts comes from the bills and receipts you casually throw in the trash. With your hard disk or DVD or tapes, use methods that irreversibly erase information.
Guard your PIN
At the computer, the supermarket billing counter or the ATM – make sure there’s no one watching over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Be especially wary of anyone who seems to be fiddling with their mobile phone as you present your card – they could be photographing the numbers on it.
Lock up financial records
Never leave your mail, credit card or bank account statements and checkbook lying around. Keep them under lock and key. Don’t pass on information about your account or card numbers without first verifying the purpose of the enquiry – be more vigilant with telephone inquiries about your account.
If you’re a naive soul who likes to see the world through rose tinted glasses, it may seem like paranoia. But there are cases where people have even been arrested for crimes they did not commit. Keep yourself safe from such dangers. The damage caused by identity theft is so great that it can easily destroy what took you a lifetime to build.
If you know of any other scams, please let us know and we will tell everyone else. We want to keep you safe online!
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