Stop being a target for identity theft
Identity theft is moving a lighting speed. Credit scores get destroyed, bank accounts and investments get heisted, and people’s lives are ruined. And it’s so swift, it’s practically unnoticeable until you get to the bank.
Unfortunately, you may be giving the thieves everything they need to take everything you have. Here are a few tips that you can start doing today to protect yourself from identity theft.
- Log off all public computers. Using the public library’s computer is a good tool if you don’t have your own computer. But be cautious while you are using it. Make sure you log off from all of your programs and applications. Staying logged in may give the person who uses the computer after you, all the information they need.
- Change your passwords. Don’t write your passwords out for everyone to see. Keep your passwords in a safe location that only you know of. Every so often, change out your passwords. Hackers can get your information if you have a weak or the same password for everything.
- You fall for phishing scams. Phishing scams are commonly seen in your email. You receive a notification from your bank telling you that you have a problem with your account, and they need you to sign in. Don’t fall for it! Those are scams trying to get your information. You may also find emails that say you’re entitled to a large sum of money when some unknown relative in a distant country died and left you all of their fortune. If you don’t know this unknown relative, chances are they never existed, along with this large inheritance.
- Get that paper shredder out. Don’t just throw out papers with your personal information on it. Shred them.
- Shop on secured sites. Make sure when you do your online shopping the address starts with https://. Make sure your anti-virus program is up to date.
- Don’t give out information over the phone. If you get an unsolicited call from your bank or credit card company chances are, they are scammers.
- Hold on to your belongings. Keep your bag and your phone with you at all times. It may seem like a quick trip to the store and, “Why not? I’ll be out in a jiffy.” Problem is, it takes just a jiffy for thieves to break into your car and grab your belongings. It’s not worth it.
- Don’t text confidential information. Your phone can easily be hacked by hackers. Keep your confidential information off the phone.
- Don’t store your personal information on your computer. If your computer gets stolen, so does all of that information.
- Public WiFi. Don’t use public WiFi to do transactions. It’s never a good idea, your information is out there and ready for others to grab a hold of.
Keep your personal information safe and out of the hackers grasp.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.