Identity Theft Blues
Save Your Life, Protect Your Identity!

Identity theft has now become a growing problem and reports of stolen personal information keep overflowing. Many people are not still aware of the problems related to identity theft. Even the most intellectual people can become victims of identity theft because we are not very cautious of the papers with our personal information.

If you don’t get your credit reports and check them at least twice a year, then you are willingly becoming ready to be a victim of identity theft. Credit monitoring and placing fraud alerts can greatly save you in time when hackers try to get credit in your name.

Your wallet is the main center of attraction for thieves. If you carry your social security number in your wallet all the time, you are at great risk. Your whole identity and credit can be accessed using your SSN. So, once an impersonator gets your SSN, he can easily pretend to be you and take credit cards and loans in your name. Never disclose SSN unless you are completely aware of the purpose. Other ID cards you carry in your wallet such as driver’s license, insurance card must not contain your SSN.

If you frequently forget your passwords and PIN numbers and try to create easy passwords and numbers for remembering them, then you are at huge risk. Hackers are aware of the commonly used passwords and PIN numbers. Also, when they get your personal information through some insiders, it will be very easy for them to guess your passwords if you have an easy to remember password. So, always use tough passwords and PIN numbers and memorize them. You should never write down your passwords and PIN numbers and store them elsewhere.

Bank statements and credit card statements are usually not monitored by many people. They simply use direct payments for their credit cards without checking the statement. If you are spending your money, you have to know the reason. Also, when you discard these statements without shredding them, then you are welcoming hackers to get access to your financial information. Use a shredder to shred documents before you send them to trash. You will be surprised to know that a group of thieves raid trash bins and get highly useful information such as pre approved credit card offers and loan applications.

On the internet, if you use same username and passwords for all of your financial accounts and social networking accounts, you are at huge risk. Also, if you don’t have an updated antivirus and anti spyware software in your computer, you are directly welcoming hackers to hack your computer and steal information.

When you are comfortable to answer calls or emails from your banks asking for your personal information, then remember that you are risking yourself. Phishing is commonly used by hackers to steal private information. They send unsolicited emails and make telephone calls to encourage you to give your personal information. You have to call back your bank and ensure that you are not giving away information for some hacker. Never disclose such sensitive information even to your spouse.