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How To Protect Your Identity (Online and Off)

11/21/2017

Knowing how to protect your identity is critical. Identity theft is when someone uses another's personal information (such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card number).

If you have seen evidence of identity theft - such as bank account activity you can't explain, or bills or emails for debts that you don’t recognize -contact your bank, credit card company, and the police. Then follow the other recovery steps outlined by Bankrate.

 

But better yet, reduce the chances of becoming a victim in the first place. Here are some steps to help you protect your identity, online and offline.

 

Online

  • Don't use any part of your address, Social Security number, phone number or birthdate in your usernames or passwords. That information is too important!
  • Be aware of impersonators and "phishing" -the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money), often for malicious reasons, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Look at all email addresses from people and companies before clicking links or replying. If you're at all suspicious, go to the company's website or contact customer service. Never click a link you can't verify.
  • Double check that you're on the right website before entering passwords or other private information. Sometimes malicious sites will have a similar URL to a real company's URL.
  • Make sure you're buying from secure websites that use encryption. A “lock” icon on the status bar of your internet browser means your information will be encrypted when it’s transmitted. Look for the lock before you send personal or financial information online.
  • Don't overshare on social media. Never post your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number, or account numbers in publicly accessible sites. Although many websites let you "check in" or tell people where you are, consider the consequences if a criminal gets a hold of that information.
  • Use industry-leading security software on your home and work computers to avoid getting your passwords or other information captured by a virus or malware. Understand how updates on that software occur, and periodically check for updates to ensure that it’s up-to-date and protecting you against the most recent threats.
  • Enable passcodes on your laptop and mobile devices. That way, if someone steals your device, they won't automatically have access to any passwords saved in your browser.
  • Do not conduct business over public, unlocked or non-secure WiFi networks. Coffee shops and hotels are notorious for having their customers' information compromised (skimmed), in addition to increased risk of viruses from those networks.

 

Offline

  • Keep your important identifying documents (Social Security card, passport, Medicare card) in a safe place. Don't carry them on your person unless you are going to need them.
  • Make a copy of your important documents and store them in a different place.
  • Shred receipts, credit offers, credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks, bank statements, expired charge cards, and similar documents when you don’t need them any longer.
  • Before getting rid of devices, use a wipe program to delete all of its files or erase its SIM card.

 

No matter what steps you take to protect your identity, you could still become a victim of identity theft. Keeping an eye on all of your statements will usually be your first clue that something is wrong.