As identity theft protection schemes, here are samples of fraudsters guises, as well as and tips on how to protect your self from them.
The Phishing man tricks people into divulging their personal information by imitating reputable websites. This person can obtain your password or credit card account information. To avoid this kind of thieve, do the following:
Use only secure websites for online shopping which they have https in the address when you access to their website. You can also a padlock symbol if it is the real website. Do not trust any website that does not have these.
Remember to set your browser to maximum security level. It can detect any unwanted programs that would like to penetrate in your computer when browsing. It can also filter any messages that contain viruses that can stole information while you are browsing the internet.
Never give out your card information to register on line. It can be a fake website designed by a phisherman. It is not proper to use your card as a form of registration to any site because it would be divulge to any person.
Do not trust emails requesting personal information even if they appear to come from organizations you know and trust. They are usually scams.
It is better if you use different passwords for different sites. Do not divulge it to anyone. Password and username are private matters that you should take care of.
Be wary of internet sites with too good to be true offers because they might be bogus sites looking to gather significant personal information about you. They can use it to produce a copy of your credit card.
There is also identity thief called squatter. It is a person who uses your older address when you already move in to another place. Make sure that before you move in; contact your Local Post Office. Inform them that you would change your address so that your mail would be delivered to your new address.
The Bin Raider is a person who scavenges through your bins to look for discarded documents that contain necessary information about you. It is revealed in study that one of five bins contained enough information to steal an identity. This person can sell it to gangs buying discarded documents like utility bills, credit card receipts or bank statements that may contain important information about you.
You should completely destroy your discarded documents before you throw it away. You can use document shredder, which is available on most stationary shops.
A Jackal is a person who uses the identity of dead person. As a relative, make sure that you did not put too much information about the death of the relative in public. Let the credit card provider of the dead relative know of her/his death. Make sure you notify every company your relative has had dealings with so they do not continue to send mails in to her/him.
A cold caller is a person disguised as personnel from your bank, credit card provider or insurance company. Be careful about disclosing personal information to this caller. You can call the said organizations to verify if they really need information from you.
