If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

The Federal Bureau of Investigation of FBI has said that identity theft if the fastest growing crime problem in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission says that an estimated 10 million Americans become victims of identity fraud. Thieves use their names, social security, and bank account information for selfish gains.

Identity theft happens when someone obtains your personal and financial information and “claims to be you” to apply for loans in banks or withdraw money. This can happen in different levels: corporate and personal. Identity thieves can access databases of companies to get your info. They can also look into your garbage and take disregarded bills and use the information stated there; or peer over your shoulder when you get money from the ATM.

Identity thieves can cause a lot of trouble. They can put you in deep debt. This is why you must always be protective of your information and avoid identity theft.

Here are some ways on how you can protect yourself from identity theft:

1. Keep your Social Security Number safe. Your Social Security is very important; it is a critical piece of info that can be used in fraudulent activities. Do not print out your social. As much as possible, don’t carry it in your wallet, in case you lose it. Most importantly, don’t let anybody else use it.

2. Check and protect your mail often. This will reduce the chances of someone going through your mail and finding out your personal information.

3. Shred documents before you put them to the bin. Destroying bills and financial statements will definitely prevent thieves from gaining access to your personal information. Make sure you do this before you throw it to the trash.

4. Beware of spam and other phishing emails. Most of the times, spam, those emails that kept landing in your inbox would ask you to put in your personal information in exchange of something. Do not ever do that because scammers will take advantage. Know that legitimate companies will never ask you to put in your personal info.

5. Don’t provide personal information over the phone.

6. Use virus protection in your computers. Never let a stranger use it or respond to unsolicited requests for personal info. Always use passwords to ward off wrongdoers and don’t share it with anyone.

7. Protect your wallets. Do your best not to lose it because it contains your ids and credit cards.

8. Regularly check your financial statements and reports to spot any unusual activities.

Identity theft protection is very important especially these hard economic times. Desperate people can try to hack into your accounts and use them for their benefit. In all of your transactions, practice caution and be aware of any signs of identity theft.

Tags: Security