Given the prevalence of identity theft these days, it has now become increasingly important for you to find a way to protect your identity. But, knowing the severity and magnitude of identity theft, and the different ways your identity can be stolen from you as well as the varying ways they can steal from you, where do you begin?
Here are some questions and answers to help you look at things with more clarity so you can avoid identity theft.
What do identity thieves want from you?
They want your personal information. They are looking for your social security number and your account numbers, so they will target anything that might contain these information.
So, where can they find your personal information?
They can look for them in the most obvious places like your wallet or bag. Your wallet or bag probably contain your ID’s, credit and debit cards, and even papers which contain your personal information. You probably wrote account numbers or passwords on a piece of paper found in your wallet, just in case you forgot them.
They can also check your mailbox. Credit agencies and banks send you statement account reports and bills via mail. This is a great place for identity thieves to gain your personal information.
Your trash can also be a good place for them to look for your personal information. You probably throw receipts, bills, and slips in the bin, all of these contain valuable information about you. These can be used by thieves to steal your identity.
But the best source for your personal information is YOU. Thieves can pose as respectable companies and ask you for your personal information.
How will the identity thief use these things?
Well, first, they can purchase expensive items that can be sold easily using your credit cards. They can also open new accounts using your name and social security number, for example, a bank account, then they can use it to write bad checks. They can take out loans under your name, even buy a car. Also, they can get a job using your name or file for bankruptcy to avoid paying their debts. Worse, they can have you arrested by giving your name to the police!
Then, how can you protect yourself from identity theft?
First, do not carry your social security card or personal identification numbers in your purse or wallet, or anywhere with you if you can avoid it. Second, get your incoming mail as soon as you can to keep them from getting to it first, or you can have your mail deposited in PO Box. Third, shred documents containing your personal information before throwing them in the bin and keep the ones you have to keep in a safe box. Do not carry important documents everywhere you go, unless you need to. Finally, do not give out personal information casually, be careful and wary of doing so.
Now, go and start doing these things to protect your identity.