Online Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when scammers take your personal information away to use it for malicious, harmful ways. People will collect enough information about you to sign up for a credit card in your name and then spend as much as they can before the fear of being caught. Scammers are becoming more and more creative when it comes to gathering information from you. While people are starting to shred their paper information and companies are becoming 'green' and providing statements online, online predators are still lurking. You don't want to make your computer a gate way in. Below are some ideas for you to ensure that you are protecting yourself against identity theft online.
1. Make sure you have up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer. Without having the proper anti-virus software installed, hackers can install malicious software, Trojans or other viruses without you even knowing. So what does this all exactly mean? How? Virus, Trojans and spyware are usually attached to executable files so they install automatically along with the main program. The Trojan and spyware will then act as a backdoor on the computer. This means information on your computer can flow out and land in the hands of the hackers.
2. The least information you put out there about yourself the better. Social media plays a huge part of our everyday lives. Social media can be fun and exciting and just as dangerous at the same time. Social Media networks often give you the option of listing your phone number, email address, birthday, address, hobbies, activities etc. Don't include any unnecessary information regarding yourself. This just might be enough information for someone to get started with your information.
3. How many credit cards do you currently have and how many do you use? Reducing the amount of credit cards that you carry and use can help you maintain and manage your spending. Look at your statements every month to make sure there is nothing unnecessary on your charge. Online shopping has risen dramatically and so has identity left. Here are some rules of thumb for online shopping. Only buy from reputable sellers. Take note of the web address and make sure the site starts with a https://website.com instead of http://website.com, the 'S' makes the site secure with encryptions
4. Destroy everything that comes in the package including invoices, packing slips, address labels on packages, etc. It's easy to just throw everything way without shredding your information or without blacking everything out. People will go dumpster diving looking for careless people to pry on. Buy a shredder to shred all your materials.
Of course there are many more tips to prevent identity theft but those are a few pointers to start off with. Always be aware of things going around you because even the most subtle of activities can make a huge difference to your life.
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