- Image by POPOEVER via Flickr
Identify theft occurs when someone takes your personal information to steal your money, perpetrate fraud, or commit other crimes. More than just causing you an inconvenience, identity theft can wreck your credit, impact your financial situation, and take years to resolve. Each year, millions of Americans struggle to untangle themselves from the mess created by identity theft.
In general, you can take steps to protect yourself by shredding documents with personal details like social security numbers and bank account information. Don’t give this information out unless it is absolutely necessary. Regularly checking your credit report can help alert you to any suspicious activity in your name.
Computers and the Internet have also helped increase the risks of identify theft. Hackers can penetrate your computer and steal your personal data. In recent years, large corporations have had thousands of names and personal details stolen by hackers. Use the following tips to keep yourself as safe and secure as possible online:
- If you have a PC, make sure you have any recent updates from Microsoft. Set your system to automatically check for and download these updates as they become available.
- Use a firewall and select a good antivirus program.
- Closely monitor your email. If you don’t recognize the sender, don’t open the email or at least scan it for potential viruses.
- Choose your downloads carefully.
- Consider a different browser. Internet Explorer is a prime target, so check out other options like Opera or Firefox.
- Don’t save your passwords and user names on your computer. If some ever hacks into your computer, that file will be easily discovered.
- Select passwords that include a combination of numbers, letters, and characters so that a hacker can’t easily identify your login information.
- Check your balances online and monitor them closely, which will help you notice any unauthorized activity.
- Report any problems right away.