It’s no secret that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world, but it’s also an incredibly preventable one. With a little bit of effort and knowledge, anyone can protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft. In this article, we’ll explore eight of the most important ways to protect yourself from identity theft and how to stay one step ahead of perpetrators.
1. Keep a Close Watch on Your Credit
One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is to keep a close eye on your credit report. You should check your credit report at least once a year to make sure that no one has opened up any false accounts or charged items using your name and information.
You can request one free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) to get started. It’s also important to know your credit score, which is available from online services and credit card companies, so that you can monitor it going forward.
2. Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Statements
Reviewing your bank and credit card statements on a monthly basis is another key way to protect yourself from identity theft. You should take the time to review all of the charges, even the small ones, to make sure that you don’t see any unauthorized purchases. It’s also wise to make sure that there aren’t any charges for services you didn’t actually sign up for.
3. Don’t Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone
Giving out your personal information over the phone or via email can be risky, so it’s important to be aware of potential identity thieves when someone asks for it. Legitimate companies like your bank or credit card issuer may need certain information from time to time, but it’s always wise to double check with them before you provide any of your details.
4. Use Strong Passwords
Plenty of identity thefts occur because people use simple passwords that can easily be guessed. It’s important to use passwords that combine both lower and upper case letters, numbers, and special characters, and that you change them regularly. For added security, you should also use two-factor authentication whenever available.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are prime targets for identity thieves, so it’s best to avoid using them as much as possible. If you do need to access the internet while you’re out, it’s wise to use your own cellular data connection instead—not only is it more secure, but it’s often more convenient, too.
6. Be Cautious With Mail
Identity thieves are always looking for ways to get their hands on personal information, so it’s important to be cautious with your mail. Make sure that your mail is being delivered to a secure location, and consider shredding any documents that have your financial or personal information on them before throwing them in the trash.
7. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Phishing scams are one of the most common ways that identity thieves operate, so it’s important to be wary of any suspicious emails or links. Don’t open or click on anything that you don’t recognize, and always double check the URLs before giving out any of your information.
8. Invest in Identity Theft Protection
Finally, investing in an identity theft protection service can be a great way to stay one step ahead of any potential thieves. Services like Lifelock can monitor your credit profile and alert you to any suspicious activity as soon as they spot it. They can also offer assistance in the event that you do become a victim of identity theft.
Final Thoughts
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, but it’s also one of the most preventable. By following the tips outlined above, you can rest assured that you’ll be taking the necessary steps to keep your personal information safe and secure. From monitoring your credit profile to investing in identity theft protection services, it’s easier than ever to stay one step ahead of the criminals.
