Identity theft is a growing crime everywhere and the Internet is making it easier for identity thieves to take a good name and bring it down. Identity theft involves stealing personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, and other information and getting access to a persons bank account. It can take years for a person to recover the damage the thieves leave behind. There are many things a person can do to prevent identity theft online.
An identity stealer has multiple methods of getting a hold of someones personal information. Some thieves have gone through trash searching for personal information such as credit card numbers or a social security number. Another way is through phishing, which is pretending to be a company asking for personal information. Some thieves fill out a change of address form to get their targets information. Thieves also use a method called pretexting using false pretenses to get information from people. Learn preventive measures to stop an identity thief in his tracks.
Protecting your identity starts with protecting your personal information. Pins and passwords need to be protected. All passwords should be strong and not something that could be easily guessed. A common rule of thumb is to use at least eight complex characters in a password. Never share it with anyone. Sensitive data on the computer should be protected by using a third-party encryption. Virus protection should be updated regularly and an anti-spyware program should be used. Do not buy anything online unless it's through a secure website. Beware as thief's can encrypt their own sites. Shopping at Amazon or eBay is better than shopping at a less popular store online.
Other tips include obtaining a credit report. Unfortunately, identity theft can happen without a person even knowing it for a long period. Doing this is a way to check accounts and to see if anyone is using your name or social security number. Avoid downloading files and hyperlinks from people unknown to you. Make use of your spam filters online to avoid emails from unknown strangers.
If you feel you or someone you know is a victim of identity theft, report it immediately and get a copy of the police report. Contact your bank and anywhere you have accounts. It is also recommended to contact the fraud departments of three major credit bureaus to place your accounts on alert. Finally, close the accounts that have been tampered with.
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