subject: Managing Identity Theft Protection [print this page] When somebody poses as someone else for whatever reason, which most likely is money, it is a crime known as identity theft. Identity theft is a serious crime and one that can ruin your life in worst case. This crime is even more serious than someone using your SSN number to buy himself beer. In worst cases, victims of nefarious identity theft will spend years trying to clean up their names. Follow these guidelines to keep yourself safe from identity theft.
Be careful with your ID
One of the most common cases of identity theft is someone posing as employees of banks, government offices, and the like to get hold of information such as SSN number and credit card details. Never reveal too much of your personal information over the phone or internet. Someone who has a legitimate reason for asking for your information will have the ability to prove their identity. Do not allow to be bullied into giving up your information.
Use caution with your trash
Important details is still sent through regular mail even in this digital age. There is no certainty in hiding or destroying important information by throwing something in the trash. Scammers and criminals go trough trash looking for confidential information such as bank statements or information containing your SSN number. It may be surprising as to how much information one can withdraw from your trash. Be sure to destroy every bit of important mail after using the needed information.
Credit card reports should always be checked
You may not immediately find out that you have been a victim of identity theft. It's very rare for a criminal to take full advantage of your credit card right away.
Instead, the criminal will more likely try making a small purchase with it at first. If the card does not get closed, then he will go for the big score. If you are a busy person, then small transaction are very easy to miss, so once a week, make a habit of checking your bank account and credit card statements.
Stay safe online
There are many ways a criminal can get access to your personal information online. The most common way is by using so called phishing websites. These websites imitate other websites of authority. You may be asked to change you password or do similar things.
Then when you click the link in your email you will be taken to the false site, where the criminal will gain access to your password. Another way of online identity theft is when trojans are being installed on your computer.
