Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Most identity thieves are targeting your social security number, your bank account, credit card information and all the corresponding PINs and passwords. A person intent on stealing your identity is hard to thwart. Nevertheless, there’s still lots you can do to protect yourself.

Keep the following tips in mind if you want to make sure you’re as protected as you can be.

1. Computer: It’s not difficult for a professional to hack into your computer system from a distance. Never neglect installing software that protects your system from spyware and viruses. A firewall is also critical. As well, identity theft software is becoming increasingly popular among people who are nervous about their privacy. A basic strategy is to use a strong password to protect your data. It shouldn’t be any less than 8 characters, preferably 10 or more. Both numbers and letters should be part of it. And it shouldn’t be something easy to crack like your birthday or anniversary.

2. Trash: If it goes in the garbage, it must be completely unimportant. But the fact is that thieves often dig through trash cans to obtain any kind of personal details that can be used to assume your identity. This even includes unsolicited credit card applications, so make sure you shred everything before it goes out to the trash.

3. Mail: For many people, it would never even cross their mind to lock their mailbox. However, your mailbox is a magnet for anyone who wants to get your personal details. Just consider the amount of mail you receive that includes personal financial information. A thief can do a lot of damage with just your bank and credit card statements.

4. Lockers: Making sure your locker is well secured if it contains your purse or wallet is a critical part of identity theft protection. This includes your locker at the gym or your workplace. When you use your own lock instead of one provided by the facility, the thief won’t have access to the extra key.

5. Wallet: Be protective of your wallet always. For many people, their wallet or handbag contains all the information an identity thief needs to facilitate his crime. This means your bank card, checkbook and credit cards, as well as the personal identification numbers you have stored (which you’re not supposed to).

6. Information: Be careful who you give out information to. It’s easy to disguise a request for your personal information as coming from a legitimate organization, but sometimes it’s really someone just posing as your bank or credit card customer service representative. It can take place both on the internet and on the telephone. It’s all too easy to give out confidential information in these circumstances.

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