Few scams are as frightening as identity theft. When criminals gain access to your personal information, irreparable damage can be done to your finances. Your bank accounts can be emptied, your credit cards could be maxed out with purchases you didn't make. Bank and investment accounts can be opened, bad checks can be written, cars can be rented and not returned, and many other major crimes can be committed...all in your name!
In this age of advancing hacker technology, digital credit, and global communications networks it is vitally important to do everything that can be done to avoid becoming an identity theft statistic. Here are ten suggestions to help protect you from identity theft.
10. Install decent anti-virus and firewall software to be sure that unauthorized users cannot access your computer.
9. Don't leave emails with sensitive information like passwords or account numbers in your inbox at free email websites. Download them to your hard-drive and encrypt them. Use encryption software on all sensitive data on your PC. PGP is free and offers excellent privacy protection. It is nigh un-crackable.
8. Use a secure web browser to surf the internet. Internet Explorer is notorious for security holes. It seems hackers love to hack Microsoft! Firefox with Google Toolbar is a good alternative choice as it's free and is generally considered to be faster and more secure than Internet Explorer.
7. Don't leave receipts behind when you use your credit card.
6. Destroy all private documents that you no longer need. Never throw financial statements in the trash! Use a data shredder to delete files and a paper shredder to destroy the old fashioned kind. 5. Sign your credit cards in permanent ink as soon as you receive them and always know where your credit cards are. Keep a list of your credit card numbers and information somewhere safe so it can be given to your credit provider in the event of a lost or stolen card. If your card is lost or stolen report it immediately.
4. Get a copy of your credit report and get frequent updates. Monitor it for suspicious activity.
3. Pay attention to your monthly credit card statements and be watchful for any purchases you didn't make.
2. If you do your banking online be sure you log out of the bank's website fully when you finish your banking session and then clear your computer's cache to erase any temporary files which may contain personally identifiable information. Firefox with Google Toolbar makes this easy to do by simply pressing Ctr+Shft+Del or going to: Tools>Clear Private Data
1. There are hundreds of scam emails in circulation that claim to be from a bank, or the IRS and state that your personal information needs to be confirmed. Don't fall for this fraud. Never give your SSN (SIN in Canada) to anyone other than the government, financial institution or your employer. Know who you are communicating with before giving out personal information. Organizations that deal with your money will never send you such a request by email or phone.
Its a shame to have to worry about online identity theft but if you are "on your toes" and follow these guidelines, you are well on your way to making your online experience a much safer and secure one.
About the Author
Steve Greene publishes scam alerts and exposes email scammers and internet frauds on his blog Email Scams Info
