| Home > Check Education > Identity Theft & Fraud Education > Steps to Help Prevent Personal Identity Theft |
|
Steps to Help Prevent Personal Identity Theft
Every year there are millions and millions of Americans who become victims of identity theft. Having your identity stolen is a frustrating experience. There are a number of things you can do to keep your personal information safe, and decrease the chances of identity theft happening to you.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the term used to describe situations where an individual's Social Security Number (SSN), credit card account, bank accounts, or other personal information is obtained and used illegally.
Besides spending your money, criminals may use your private information to open new accounts, apply for loans, for employment purposes, to access government benefits, and many other crimes. Credit card fraud is the most common type of identity theft.
New technology has made it easier for identity thieves to access and use your private information. From computers, scanners and copiers, to hidden cameras and email scams. You need to be aware of what to avoid so identity theft doesn't happen to you.
How to Protect Yourself
Identity theft can happen just about anywhere. Sensitive information can be obtained when you're on the Internet, at the gym, even right out of your trash can or mailbox. But if you play it smart, you can avoid circumstances that could lead to your identity being stolen.
Here are several suggestions for protecting your personal information.
Review Your Credit Reports
By law, you are allowed to receive a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from all three credit reporting agencies. Those agencies are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Call 1-877-322-8228 or visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free copy. Stay clear of sites that try to charge you for this free service.
There are many people who don't realize their identity has been stolen until after a criminal has already opened an account or taken out a loan in their name. Avoid this situation by closely examining your credit report for suspicious activity.
Be Smart Online
There are many ways identity thieves can get a hold of your personal information when you're online. Stay safe by deleting suspicious emails without opening them. Never give private data to someone you don't know, and be aware that hackers could be using the email accounts of your contacts. So even if it appears to be legitimate at first glance, it could be dangerous.
Be careful when accessing certain sites and downloading software. Malware, trojans and botnets can be used to infect your computer and collect sensitive data. If you don't have anti-virus software, consider installing it. If you already have anti-virus software, make sure it's up to date.
Check Advantage has partnered with McAfee and VeriSign to ensure all your personal information remains safe when you order business checks or personal checks online from us. Before purchasing anything online, always look for the padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser to make sure a page is secure.
When you get rid of an old computer, you should always wipe the hard drive before throwing it out or giving it away. Remember, simply deleting files doesn't mean the data has disappeared from your hard drive. It can still be recovered unless your hard drive is completely erased or destroyed.
Keep Your PIN Private
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) gives you access to ATMs and can be used to access your bank accounts. Never share your PIN with anyone. Use different numbers for different accounts. Never keep your PIN with your ATM card or anywhere in your purse or wallet. Don't use obvious numbers like birthdays or the last four digits of your card for the PIN.
When you use an ATM, be on the lookout for people who might be trying to obtain your PIN. This can be done simply by looking over your shoulder, or it could be as sophisticated as hidden cameras. Use ATM networks you can trust and look for private areas to use the machines.
Protect Your Personal Information Wherever You Are
Are you carrying too much personal information around with you? Take credit and debit cards out of your wallet if you don't use them regularly. Never store your Social Security card in your wallet or purse.
Never print your Social Security Number or driver's license number on your personal checks. If a cashier or vendor asks you to print it on the check, make sure you know why it's needed, and can be assured your private information will stay safe.
Take precautions when you are leaving items with personal information in public places. Lock up your purse, wallet, checkbook, laptop computer and other sensitive material when you visit places like the gym. If you need to leave items with personal information unattended in your car, keep it out of sight or lock it in the trunk.
Don't leave mail with sensitive information in your mailbox for long periods of time. If possible, put outgoing mail in the box shortly before the postal worker arrives.
Identity theft can also happen right out of the trash through what's known as "dumpster diving." The best way to prevent this is to shred all documentation with personal data before it goes in the garbage.
Remember that credit card and bank statements, tax worksheets, even junk-mail like credit card and balance transfer offers can contain sensitive information.
If you think you've had personal information stolen, read our article What to do When Identity Theft Happens to You.
|
|
|
