The devastating effects of identity theft are well-known, but are you doing all you can to ensure your identity is never stolen? With almost 10 million people getting their identities stolen each year, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your assets. Read on to find out how you can ensure this finance-shattering crime doesn’t happen to you.
Leave the Social Security Card at Home
There’s absolutely no reason to keep your Social Security card in your wallet. If your wallet were to get snatched or lost, your identity could be stolen in a heartbeat. Your social security card cannot be cancelled or replaced, and can be a costly loss in more ways than one.
If an identity thief were to gain access to your card, the effects could be devastating and immediate. With that information, a stranger could easily open new credit card accounts, commit crimes under your name, or gain employment with your identity. Keep it secure in a safe; there are very few times in life you’ll need to present the card itself.
Have Fun with a Shredder
Don’t ever throw away documents containing personal information without shredding them first. Buy an inexpensive shredder and be sure you keep yourself protected. Shred anything and everything that contains sensitive information. This could be Social Security information, tax returns, unused checks, or even credit reports. If you have an expired driver’s license, or recently received a replacement credit card, make sure you shred both.
When in doubt, just ask yourself if you would mind a stranger having access to this information. More often than not, the answer will be yes—meaning you should get to shredding. This is also important in the workplace. It doesn’t hurt to check with your boss that any sensitive personal information is destroyed correctly.
Keep Your SSN to Yourself
Try not to spread your Social Security number around. For example, if you’re planning a move in the near future, ask your potential landlord to use a trusted tenant screening company so you don’t have to write out sensitive information. This will keep you protected while providing the essential information they need.
Don’t give out your SSN online unless you know that your information is protected, always ask how it will be used, and use the right amount of skepticism for phone calls or emails that request this information.
Social Media Practices
While it can be fun to constantly stay up to date with loved ones on social media accounts, be wary of the amount of information you post. Many of the popular social media networks require a bevy of information in order to use their services. Weigh the pros and cons of having an account with access to your personal information.
Don’t put identifying information like your home address, birth date, or full name. All of these can be used by identity thieves. Thieves often profit off of seemingly innocent information; including but not limited to animal’s names or significant dates. As always, only approve those you know in person to access your page.
Up Your Password Game
Use some time to improve your passwords, especially for important financial accounts. Follow these general guidelines to make sure your passcodes are up to par. Make sure your password is longer than six characters, and keep them constantly changing. It might make it a bit more difficult to remember, but the ends justify the means.
Don’t use the same password for more than one account, and don’t select passwords that would be easy for someone to unscramble: that means no birthdays, pet names, or phone numbers.
Be Diligent About Statements
It can be easy to simply pay the balance due on your credit card bill and let that be the end of it. However, this habit sets you up for identity theft. Go over credit card statements and debit transactions regularly to ensure no suspicious activity is taking place.
If your identity has been stolen, the longer you remain unaware, the more expensive righting the issue will be. Sign up for credit reports that don’t damage your credit score and keep an eye on your transactions to ensure no one takes your information.
If you become a victim of identity theft, the consequences could last for years and cost you thousands of dollars. Take the appropriate steps to ensure that your information remains secure and you avoid the schemes of opportunistic thieves.
