In this day and age, trying to prevent identity theft is easier said than done. Indeed, it has become a difficult feat to make sure that you don’t become a victim of identity theft.
Identity theft is among the fastest-growing crimes in the world today. There are already millions of people who were reported to fall prey to those identity thieves that made them lose billions in cash.
The good news is that there are still things you can do to keep yourself and your data as safe and protected as possible. Follow the simple guidelines below on how to prevent identity theft to save yourself from the hassles, headaches, and financial troubles it brings.
Guard Your SSN
Protecting your Social Security Number is no doubt the most important step you can take to prevent identity theft. Avoid carrying your SSN with you all the time. Keep it in a safe place and make sure you memorize it. If you are ever asked to provide, inquire first if it is absolutely necessary.
Be Cautious in Public Areas
Identity thieves can be very creative. They can easily steal your information through listening to your phone calls or looking over your shoulder. These are some of the most common sources of identity theft that many people often forget or overlook.
Keep Your Computer Protected
Don’t just protect your computer itself with passwords but even your individual documents that contain your bank details, account numbers, and other pertinent confidential information.
Mind Your Trash
Believe it or not, identity thieves even go as far as going through trash cans to find addresses, names, and account details. Start developing the habit of always shredding papers that may contain these details. It is recommended to use a cross-cutting shredder to prevent identity theft. You can buy this online or at the office products shop in your area.
Pick Up Your Mail Regularly
See to it that you get your mail on a daily basis. For those days when you are out of town, you might want to arrange for a trusted neighbor or close friend to pick it up for you. Don’t make it such a sweat-free thing for identity thieves to get their hands on your information. It helps not just in identity theft prevention but also in making sure your mailbox doesn’t overflow.
Be Wary of Email Phishing
Email phishing are those bogus emails that look real, claiming to come from credit institutions, banks, and sometimes, even the IRS itself. If you got an email that asks you to confirm your passwords or your account details, never respond and delete the email right away.
These emails can also be reported as spam to help email providers put the senders of such emails straight to the spam filter. It allows you to take part in preventing more cases of identity theft.
Always Check Your Credit Report
It is possible to get your credit report for free from the credit bureaus including TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Once you receive your report, make sure you study it carefully. If you notice any listed credit cards or accounts that you don’t recognize, report it to the agency right away.