Identity theft, taken in its simplest definition, is the usage of an individual’s personal information without the consent and knowledge of the person, usually for the purpose of using such information at the owner’s expense. The thief may use the information to spend money, or worse – commit crimes in the owner’s name. Personal information may range from the person’s name, credit card number, driver’s license number, social security number and any other private information. On the same line, therefore, identity theft protection pertains to ways or methods that one may use to prevent other opportunists from stealing one’s personal information.
Although there are many ways of protecting one’s identity such as enlisting the aid of organizations, one may protect oneself from identity thieves by remembering these simple ways of guarding one’s identity.
- Destroy or keep unneeded bank or ATM receipts. Simply throwing them in a wastebasket is still dangerous – some thieves dig through rubbish bins.
- When entering information in an ATM, make sure no one peeks behind your back. Better yet, to ensure your own protection and safety, opt to withdraw from ATMs inside private cubicles with doors rather than those located outside, such as in sidewalks.
- Using checks? Pin-based ATMs are better and safer since they will not be easily accessed in case it is stolen. Also, you can easily notify the bank of a theft in case your card is stolen. Checks, on the other hand, contain information that may be used to your disadvantage.
- When travelling, take only one credit card as much as possible. Keep the rest of your cards and your checkbook in a safe place at home. In the first place, bringing cash is safer because you don’t have sensitive information in it, unlike your credit cards. Remember, once a thief gets a hold of your card, he or she could very easily access your information.
- Also, when away from home, let someone you trust gather your mail. These may contain information that thieves may use against you, and we all know how accessible these mailboxes are.
- If you don’t have it yet, obtain anti-phishing or anti-hacking software and keep it updated to protect yourself from electronic identity theft.
- Do not conduct online business transactions in public WiFi zones or internet cafes. Such public internet zones may easily be infiltrated by phishing sites and malware. You may greatly reduce your susceptibility to being victims of identity theft it you do your business transactions at home, or at secure internet connections.
- Another simple but commonly overlooked way of protecting oneself is by not providing more information than what is necessary. When some internet sites, for instance, require too much information such as your SSS number or so, you should be hearing alarm bells. Some websites may actually be phishing sites which stores up your information for future use.
Although these ways are simple, they may save you from a lot of heartache and money. By always staying alert and on guard, you could definitely decrease your risks of being a victim of identity theft.
