In today’s technologically advanced world, more and more people are victims of identity theft both online and offline. A general accounting office reported that more than 700,000 Americans have their identity stolen each year and that number is expected to rise over time. While many thieves operate online, there are still plenty of “junk hunters” sifting through people’s trash cans looking for a credit card statement or an application that someone forgot to tear up. You may be thinking that people don’t do these things, but there are people who spend a lot of time waiting for someone to forget to shred some of their personal information so they can take it and start using their credit cards and using their social security number. . It may be impossible to prevent someone from completely stealing your identity, but there are things you can do to reduce the risk of it happening.
An easy way to prevent thieves from getting your personal information through trash scavenging is to remember to destroy all private records and statements. You can break things, but it’s better to shred them. Credit card statements, financial documents, and applications must be shredded. It is also a good idea to protect your mail, you can do this by emptying your mailbox quickly, blocking it or getting a PO box. By protecting your mail, you’ll prevent thieves from stealing credit cards and other financial information. Never send bills or checks from home, it’s easy for thieves to go through your mail and get a bill or check and change the payee’s name on the check by erasing it with solvent. Send all your bills and checks from the post office, as it is the safest place to do so.
Your social security number must also be protected. You should never carry your social security card or any other card that may have your number on it, this includes your health insurance card. The social security number is the key to all your information, which is why thieves look for things like this. If they get your social security number, they can gain access to other important information, like your credit report and bank account. Also remember to never leave behind any ATM, credit card or gas receipts.
Many people have their identities stolen because they don’t know who they are giving their private and financial information to. When someone calls with some kind of special offer or something, don’t be too quick to give out your information if you’re interested in their offer, first ask them who they are and what company they represent and then do some research yourself. Never give out your financial information over the phone. Monitor your credit card, get a copy of your credit report annually, and review it thoroughly for anything that might seem suspicious. Also check your credit card statement thoroughly, make sure all merchants look familiar to you, and if they aren’t, call your credit card company and notify them of the suspicious items on your statement.
There are simple precautions you can take to prevent criminals from getting your private information. Be more conscientious when using your credit card, and don’t forget to shred any important information you throw away.