Protect Yourself and Prevent Identity Theft

"14 million. That's how many Americans were victims of identity theft between January 1 2001 and mid-May 2003, victims who ended up being $3.8 billion out-of-pocket" (Privacy and American Business, Vol. 10, No. 5).

Now that is a staggering number that must be paid attention. How you might ask, can 14 million people have their lives destroyed by identity theft?

The answer is complicated and involved. Sometimes it is as simple as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Other times it is due to carelessness. In this day and age no one can afford to be loose with their personal information. Identity theft can also happen because someone really feels they have a lot to gain from your information.

The real tragedy is that the instances of identity theft are growing. It can be as simple as someone going through your trash, to stealing your purse, to looking over your shoulder as you visit the ATM.

E-mail instances are horrifying. People are always hopeful of improving their lot in life. Getting something for nothing. Getting a leg up in one circumstance or another. But the old adage may be true. There is nothing free in this life. There is no free ride. But does that stop people from clicking link after link in those phishing emails that the only purpose is to get you to fill out some form and give them your personal information. Yet it happens every day.

What can you do to prevent Identity Theft?

The following is a list of 9 things that you can do to make your life more secure.

1) Secure your home with locks and alarms.

It is a proven fact that alarms and locks are effective deterrents to criminals that are planning to make a move on your home or personal ID. Make sure your use deadbolts and that your windows and curtains are closed when you are not available. Make your home less appealing to a criminal. Have bright lights on. Own a dog. Encourage a neighborhood watch. Remember, thieves are really only interested in success they do not want a challenge. If they find your home too iffy, they will move on to the next quickly enough.

2) Put your personal information under lock and key.

Use a locked filing cabinet or have a safe in your home. Keep the cabinets or safe closed and locked unless you are using them. Why have them open for any one to pry into? Back up you information with an extra copy that you keep at your bank in a safety deposit box. Have the safe or filing cabinet out of site. Not readily on display where people might be curious. Definitely not in front of a window or visible through the door.

3) Shred everything!

Shred your personal items that you are throwing away. All that junk mail that comes everyday, has your name, address and zip code all over it. These are tools used by criminals to learn about you. Never throw away your bank statements or bills in the trash. THEY MUST BE SHREDED!

4) Be careful when speaking with strangers on the phone.

If you don not know the person you are speaking with, NEVER give them any personal information. Many times scammers will ask for your address and telephone number. I know they just called you. No! A machine just called you. The person doesn't necessarily know what number was dialed. They just know a human answered. It's easy for someone to pretend to be someone they're not on the phone. NEVER, EVER EVER! give your credit card information to anyone that calls you. You are begging for them to steal your identity if you do. Use your instincts, if it doesn't feel right, end the call.

5) Limit access to your computers.

If your share your computer with people such as in a work situation. Do not have personal information on it unless it is secured with a password and then keep that only to yourself.

6) Protect your computer from hackers.

At home, use firewalls and security systems and do not prowl around seedy areas on the internet. You will regret being associated in those areas because your "trail" can be followed and people can make assumptions about you. It could set you up as a target.

If your operating system is Windows, it is important to keep you system up to date. They have regular security updates and will alert you when you need to update. Many systems today to this automatically for you, but will still keep you informed.

7) Be aware the Internet is a dangerous place.

The Internet is not to be taken lightly. It is not a toy. Sure it can be very entertaining and a huge source of information. Larger than any library you could ever visit. BUT...it can also be very dangerous. Especially for identity theft. People can track where you go and what you do on line. If your habit is to visit less than reputable places this may establish a pattern and set you up as a good prospect for gaining your personal information.

Now it is important for you to know that using the Internet for shopping or purchasing something with a credit card is NOT dangerous, as long as you are using a secure site. Take note of the web address before you haul out that credit card. If it is a secure and safe site it will have https://www.shophere.com. Notice the s in https? That shows you the site is secure.

Be aware of emails sent by someone you do not know. Never click on a link in any email unless you actually no the person and trust them. Use your Spam filters in your emails and increase your security setting so less unsolicited emails get into your inbox.

8) Avoid broadcasting information.

Be aware of who is around you when you are about to divulge personal information. Don't shout your driver's license number or credit card. Everyone is listening. And when you are at the ATM, stand back and wait your turn and make sure the same courtesy is given to you. Cover the screen with your body forward as you enter your PIN. Don't just make it easy for them.

9) Keep everyone in the family on the same page.

Talk to the kids, parents should have a family plan of how to keep information safe. Children are very susceptible to criminals because of their very nature. Inform them of the dangers of sharing their address or telephone with anyone they do not know. Make sure the really understand the importance of not answering the door when you are not home and never giving information over the phone. And the computer and Internet is a place that children should never be without parental guidance. If it is dangerous for you, what do you think could happen to them?

Identity theft is a real and ever present danger. No one is safe from it. But there is a lot you can do to protect yourself and make yourself less of an appealing target for someone who is looking to make is next meal off of you. Take these few simple steps and make you and your family aware of simple solutions to stopping Identity theft.