subject: How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft [print this page] How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Identity theft is what happens when someone, a criminal, takes on another person's identity and uses it for any purpose, often nefarious or for personal gain. Identity theft is a serious issue and is much more than simple misuse of Social Security numbers, it often involves credit card and mail fraud. In order to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft, use the guidelines below to keep safe:
Keep your personal ID safe
Be careful with which information you disclose. Criminals often try to get hold of your SSN number trough various schemes. Scam artists may pose as bank employees, government offices or stores, either trough mail, phone or on the internet. Only ever disclose important information if you are 100% sure that who you are talking to is who they claim to be.
Keep your mail and trash safe
It's not only private eyes who go trough other people's trash. Your trash may reveal a lot about you, particularly if you don't destroy your mail. Most important information is still sent by regular mail, even in these days of the email. Never assume that you can just dispose of this mail in the trash. If you have a letter with confidential information, make sure to completely rip it or burn it, because discarding it.
Check your balance and credit reports
You may not even know that you have become victim to identity theft, because the criminal will rarely take full advantage early on. Instead, it's common for the thief to try and charge your credit card with a small unauthorized purchase. If you don't respond to this, then he or she may go for the big score. In the same way, you should be careful with preapproved credit card offers, which are common hunting grounds for criminals and scammers.
Ask questions always
While some attempts at identity theft may seem crude and amateurish, the more advanced scammers will likely not be obvious. That is why it's a good idea to always ask questions when someone is requesting your personal information. Any government employee for example would be prepared for this and have ways of verifying his identity. Also be very careful about what software you install and the websites you visit.
Protect your computer
Most cases of identity theft currently involve computers and the internet. The common way identity theft happens online is trough the use of 'phishing', in where the thief will try to get you to disclose confidential information my creating fake websites mimicking Ebay, Amazon or your bank.
