Tips For Identity Theft Prevention

Is it really possible to prevent identity theft? The answer is both yes and no. Let us make a comparison between identity theft and somebody who attempts to break into your house. Can you stop somebody who will break into your house? Of course, you will do everything to make it difficult for him. You will be installing alarms, locks and cameras for security purpose. You hire the services of armed guards and some experts in security.

With the above mentioned preparations, is there any possibility that somebody will be able still to house break? Certainly, if that somebody is full of determination, armed with sophisticated weapons and outnumbering your guards. This has been shown many times in the movies.

It is really the same thing with identity theft prevention. You will do something to make it more complicated to somebody, yet there is no guarantee that you will not be the next victim but at least you will minimize the risk. Just be cautious in managing your personal information and with total awareness, you will be able to be on guard against identity theft. What is important is to be prepared always and be clever always and on your guard.

There is really a need to be aware of the increasing number of cases on identity theft. It is due maybe to the comparatively low risk, high reward stake given to criminals. All they will have to do is to get your Social Security Number and some pieces of data which are taken easily. Then, they will assume your identity and commit credit deception. It’s a pity for the victims because they will spend so much money time draining ordeal which will create financial and emotional distress.

Below are the tips for identity theft prevention.

1. Always give protection to your Social Security Number. Do not place your Social Security Number in your wallet or to be printed on your checks. It is the main object of criminals.

2. Be aware of shoulder-surfers. Make sure nobody is looking over your shoulder when you enter a pin number or a credit card number to an ATM machine, or in a phone book.

3. Everything must be shred. You should keep your identity from being thrown into the garbage can.

4. Instead of signing the backs of your credit cards, just write “See Photo ID”.

5. Be sure to destroy all digital data.

6. You should be diligent in checking statements. Bills and bank statements must be checked properly.

7. Go to the post office in paying your bills. Do not leave your paid bills in the mailbox to be sent out. They will be stolen and to be washed with chemicals.

8. It is better to limit information in your checks.

9. You should analyze your credit report every year. It has your Social Security Number, present and prior employers, the list of all your account numbers, including those you have closed and your general credit score.

10. Your computer must be free from viruses and spies.

11. If you are going to shop online, be sure to check first the website before entering your credit card number or any personal information.

12. Always monitor your credit history.

13. Do not hesitate to ask questions whenever you are asked about personal information which is not connected to the transaction.

14. You should not be influenced by pre-approved credit offers.

15. Do not bring with you additional credit cards or other important personal identity documents unless necessary.

16. Ask for your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement every year so as to check for deception.

17. You should examine first the charges on your credit card statements before you pay.

18. All unused credit card accounts must be canceled immediately.

19. Don’t ever give your credit card number or any personal information when using the phone except when you trust that business or you started the phone conversation.

20. Make a subscription to a credit report monitoring service so that you will be notified in case somebody applies for credit using your name.

21. Do not be afraid to question the identity of the people and companies which will initiate contact with you, through the email, mail, telephone or even in person.

22. Don’t leave your wallet or purse unattended most especially in the church, place of work, restaurants, parties or on trolleys for shopping.

Notify immediately the bank, if you did not receive any statement.

About Phishing And Identity Theft

Who hasn’t received an email directing them to visit a familiar website where they are being asked to update their personal information? The website needs you to verify or update your passwords, credit card numbers, social security number, or even your bank account number. You recognize the business name as one that you’ve conducted business with in the past. So, you click on the convenient “take me there” link and proceed to provide all the information they have requested. Unfortunately, you find out much later that the website is bogus. It was created with the sole intent to steal your personal information. You, my friend, have just been “phished”.

Phishing (pronounced as “fishing”) is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately steal your identity.

It is not at easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The “From” field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The click-able link even appears to take you to the company’s website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the “From Field” can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a click-able link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.

A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.

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