Identity theft is a crime wherein someone assumes another person’s position or name in fraudulent situations usually for financial gain. It can be achieved by simple stealing or pick-pocketing to high-end computer hacking in order to obtain personal information. The main points of information include the full name, birth date, street address, zip code, city, state and phone numbers. With this information in hand, a person will be able to make applications for you, rent apartments, or even change your address without your consent.
Additional information that is crucial to identity theft prevention is Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords and PINs. When this particular information are accessed by identity thieves, the victim may find himself in debts that he has not harbored or may be put in jail for crimes he has not committed. In these instances, the victim may not clear his reputation right away or that the incorrect criminal records will remain in databases.
One of the simplest forms of identity theft is through credit card fraud wherein a stolen credit card is used by the perpetrator at the victim’s expense. Other examples include, but are not limited to library cards, fake driver’s licenses, and voter’s registrations.
How do you protect yourself from identity theft?
- Be vigilant of your belongings outside or inside your house. Start with the mindset that someone might steal from you. That way, you are building your guard against thieves and eventually protecting your personal information. Keep important documents in a safe or in a secure place.
- Beware of internet phishing. These scams are sent through e-mails or instant messages with the purpose of stealing information from unaware users. At times, these may come in forms of employment and mortgage schemes and may use reputable institutions so keep identity theft prevention in mind when opening suspicious e-mails.
- Shred important information – statements of account, ATM receipts, and canceled or voided checks before throwing in the trash. Identity thieves may rummage through your garbage for documents containing impertinent information and use them to their advantage.
- Install anti-spyware or anti-virus software. Protect your computer from possible hacking. Information through the internet is easily retrieved if your computer is unprotected. Also, keep your anti-virus software up to date for more effective protection.
- For those who are serious about identity theft, identity theft prevention services are available in the market. Check out the internet for servers that will fit your choice.
- Protect your Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Don’t give out this salient information to people unless needed. It has also been advised to change your PIN on a regular basis and to use strong passwords that you can easily remember. Avoid using birthdates, nicknames, anniversaries or those that are easy to catch.
- Be aware and make other people aware too. Identity theft prevention can only succeed with effective education and information dissemination.
Identity theft is a grave instance to be put in. Anyone can be a victim. Educate yourself and inform those people close to you about identity theft prevention.
