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It’s easy to enter a name into a people finder site and discover a load of information about them. Cybercriminals could use this data to create a false identity and use it to scam others.
That’s not the only way. These professionals cold-call, posing as a bank or other officers, and attempt to trick people into giving them personal information.
So, how do you guard against identity theft? Here are some ways.
Preventative Actions
Cybercriminals will usually go for easy targets, so there are ways to prevent them from accessing your information.
Store Documents Securely
Your financial identity, including social security, medicare, and credit card numbers, is what criminals are after. Any documents showing this information should be stored in a locked drawer or cabinet, and the key should always remain with you.
When you’re done with financial papers, consider shredding them. If they no longer serve any purpose, they’re best off being destroyed.
Avoid having them on your person unless absolutely necessary. A pickpocketed wallet containing all these is an open door to identity theft.
Credit Card and ATM Receipts
Inspect any receipts from a payment terminal or ATM. Your card number should only have the last four digits displayed. If the entire number is displayed, contact the merchant directly, or report them to the Office of the Attorney General.
Regularly check bank and credit card statements for any unusual transactions. These may indicate that another person has access to these details. Your financial institution can assist with taking action against fraudulent activity.
Passwords
Don’t use personal details like date of birth, mother’s maiden name, or kids’ birthdays as passwords. Use different ones for each application, and change them regularly.
Password security software generates random, unhackable passwords every time they’re opened. The catch is that you need a master password to unlock it, and if that’s stolen, so is everything else.
Old Phones and Laptops
It’s common these days to sell old or unwanted technology devices. If doing so, format, delete, and remove all data on there. Be warned that this information isn’t ever totally gone and can be recovered by the police or criminals with the right software.
Opt-Out of People Search Sites
People search sites build databases on people from the information they’ve sourced from the internet via public records. Many people don’t even know these pages exist.
If you input your name into one of these and find data on yourself, click on the ‘opt-out’ option to have your details removed.
This action will remove the current records but won’t prevent a file from being created from any new public records.
Protecting Yourself
Savvy cybercriminals have various ways of getting hold of personal information, so here are some actions you can take if you have suspicions.
Avoid Cold-Callers
It’s rare for a bank or utility company to call and ask for your personal information. If they do, take down their name and number. Either call the number back or, better yet, contact the place on its public number and ask if that person works there and to be put through.
Ask Questions
If the person wants to identify you and asks for things like your date of birth or social security number, ask them the following questions:
- Why do you need these details?
- What happens if I don’t provide them?
- Can I be identified in other ways?
By asking these questions, you may be able to determine if the data is being collected for criminal purposes.
Prevent and Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Identity theft is rising, and there are measures to take to prevent it from happening and things to look for.
Store any financial and sensitive documents in a locked place, and avoid carrying them on your person. Inspect ATM and credit card receipts for your displayed data or fraudulent transactions.
Create secure passwords that don’t use personal information and update them often. Format or delete digital devices you sell or dispose of and opt-out of people search sites.
If you’re cold-called by someone, get their details and call them back to verify they’re legitimate. Ask questions about why they need your personal information, and you may not have to divulge them.
