5 Important Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Identity theft is a present, pressing worry, especially given society’s collective reliance on technology and the companies that have access to your name, birth date, Social Security number, and financial information. The theft of your identity carries several potential dangers, including voter fraud and monetary loss. Do your due diligence with the following five ways to protect yourself from identity theft.

Guard Your Wallet or Purse

Losing your wallet or purse is a nightmare. In addition to canceling your credit and debit cards, you also need to replace your driver’s license as well as all other forms of identification you stored in there.

Be selective about what you put in your wallet or purse. Keep original items such as your Social Security card at home and carry only one credit card at any one time. Additionally, make sure you don’t give thieves easy opportunities to steal your wallet or purse when you’re out in public.

Shred Personal Documents

Credit card offers, bank statements, documents from your mortgage company — you pull them out of the mailbox, flip through them, and toss them in the recycling bin or the garbage can. After all, you think, why would anyone be desperate enough to dig through your trash on the off-chance of unearthing something valuable?

Maybe that scenario is unlikely, but why risk it? Personal shredders aren’t expensive, and it takes only a few seconds to shred documents with revealing personal information or access to it. Also take advantage of any shred-it events held in your community.

Keep an Eye on Your Reports and Statements

Regularly checking your credit report will reveal any unfamiliar activity, especially debts or credit cards that aren’t yours. You also need to carefully read your credit card and bank statements each month. Pay attention to strange charges, even small, subtle ones. In the case of someone who’s committing voter fraud in your name, for example, you might spot a small charge for a voter ID registration in an unknown place.

Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Scams

Today’s hackers are unbelievably crafty. Phishing scams are always evolving, especially scams that come up around tax time. Reading blogs dedicated to specific types of scams is one way to familiarize yourself with the latest threats. However, hacking attempts can also the places you shop or do business, so also keep tuned to important communications from the places you frequent often.

Lock Down Your Phone

Losing your phone is often easier than misplacing your purse or wallet. Protect it accordingly — and, no, that doesn’t mean buying it a cover. Protect your smartphone with an original passcode so that no one can use it without inserting the code. Go one step further and take advantage of the fingerprint lock (if your phone has this feature).

Having your identity stolen can be devastating, whether someone commits voter fraud, tax fraud, or credit card fraud in your name. Don’t take unnecessary risks so that you can be sure your identity stays protected.

Images via Pixabay