subject: Helpful Reminders To Avoid Scams [print this page] The famous quote states: "Prevention is better than cure." In the case of identity security, it is better to take the tiresome preventive measures than to have the horrible experience of a stolen identity. Following are some helpful reminders in keeping your identity safe from thieves and scammers:
Do not reveal your password:
This may be the most obvious way to keep your identity safe. Never, ever, disclose your password to anyone, unless you initiated the act. If someone asked you to reveal your password to them, do not do it. Do not believe in any claim of anyone especially if it requires you to share password information.
Do not let anyone use your account:
Related to the first one, do not allow anyone to use your accounts. This means you must not share your account information including password to anyone. Do not trust anyone who are too curious or are fond of asking too many questions about account details. Your account is your personal possession, and you have no obligation of sharing it with anyone. Some account holders also distribute their passwords or account information to other people because they find it hard to memorize their passwords. Why create a password you cannot remember? Make passwords long, but make sure you have the capacity to keep them in mind.
Avoid "buying and selling" accounts:
People may claim that they will disclose their account information, but in turn you will do likewise. If you give them yours, they would not be concerned whether you will be using their account or not. If you receive an offer like this, do not consider it.
Be careful in using accounts in public:
If possible, never use your account information in public computers because other people can see your username and password length, giving them a chance to steal your account. It is better if you have your own computer where you will use your password. Otherwise, avoid using account details as much as possible.
Make a safe password
Create a password that is not easy to figure out. Never use common passwords such as 1234 or abcde. Avoid using your username as password and vice-versa because thieves are trained in decoding passwords. You may use special characters, numbers, or capital letters in between passwords so they would find it difficult getting it.
Remember the pointers given above and stay cautious in everything you do concerning your accounts, password, and identification. If thieves get a hold of one of these three, you will surely face a difficult situation trying to get back what is rightfully yours.
