There is no denying that identity fraud is on the rise. It has been estimated that over 10 million Americans have been affected in some way by having their identities stolen. So how does it happen, and how can you avoid it in the first place?
There is no denying that identity fraud is on the rise. It has been estimated that over 10 million Americans have been affected in some way by having their identities stolen. So how does it happen, and how can you avoid it in the first place?
Your private information is not so private. In fact, unless you take active steps to protect your identity, someone determined to obtain your confidential information can probably get a hold of it. Let's look at some ways your information is obtained, and how you can do a better job of keeping it to yourself.
Be Aware that Today's Thieves are Computer-Savvy
While there are still many that will go "dumpster diving" to get to your private, information, the fact is that many of today's thieves are computer savvy. What does this mean to you? It means they can occasionally intercept internet transactions. It means they will do whatever it takes, including posing as phony landlords, to obtain a copy of your credit report. It also means they buy and sell sensitive data from other "black-market internet criminals", in order to gain access to your confidential data.
So what can you do about it?
Only make purchases on the internet from respectable, reputable merchants. Consider using Paypal instead of giving your credit card number to the merchant directly.
Make sure you see a little lock somewhere on the bottom of the screen when you are making an internet purchase. This implies that the vendor is utilizing some type of secure data transmission which makes it very difficult, but note not impossible, for someone to get your private information.
You need to be aware that websites that you frequent may be duplicated by unscrupulous individuals. These sites may look virtually identical to the site you want to be at, but it is in fact an imposter site. Be sure the site contains "http" in the url, and that there is that little lock mentioned somewhere on the bottom of the screen.
Be sure to shred any and all bills, receipts, credit card charges, etc. that you are not going to be filing. "Dumpster diving" is still carried on today, and this remains a source of potential concern with regard to letting your sensitive data "loose".
It is certainly tedious to have to shred documents, look for little locks on a website, and be fairly certain you're making internet purchases from reliable vendors. But in the long run, it just may help you prevent identity fraud. And that is certainly worth your time and effort. A little prevention now just may mean the difference between keeping your good name safe, vs spending 300 hours trying to clear up identity theft problems.
Are you aware that approximately every 4 seconds, there is a new victim of identity fraud? Click here to learn how NOT to be next
J. September writes about financial matters, and the impact they have on each one of us.
