Ways to Avoid Identify Theft

 

Clutching her baby girl, a mother could not control her tears when she learned that she is currently buried in a debt that she didn't personally incur.

 

Sounds like a typical fictional drama? Guess again.

 

Scenes like these are nothing out of the ordinary especially now that there's a continuous increase in the number of victims of identity theft. Many consumers are suffering from fraudulent activities such as this one. Through identity theft, a person can get access to your personal and financial information without your knowledge. Eventually, they can get your money, charge something in your name, and misrepresent you in many other ways.

 

So, in order to protect yourself from imminent identity theft, here are ten tips to guide you:

 

1. Never give any personal information to people you don't know.

 

It's definitely a big no-no! Giving out information over the phone, through the Internet, or even just to the boy next door that suddenly dropped by your house will definitely land you in trouble. Your personal information is very prone to fraudulent activities. So never give any of your personal data to people who represent themselves over the phone as bank employees, customer service, or even government agencies.

 

Just to be safe, try to verify the company you're dealing with. Also, try to ask them if you could provide the necessary information personally, like you could go to their office and do the verification in person.

 

2. Be cautious of your trash.

 

Sounds stupid but these are common grounds for people who wish to get ahold of your identity. Be very careful in disposing of your receipts, application forms, or billing statements. Identity thieves can be very good scavengers, you know!  A good shredder is recommended when disposing of personal information.

 

Also, when disposing of an old computer, don’t assume that deleting files on your hard disk is secure. You have many gigabyte s of personal information on the hard disk.  I recommend removing the disk entirely and keeping it (it’s small) before y ou put out your computer for disposal.

 

3. Be cautious of your things like wallet, purse, and other information data.

 

Most of a consumer's valuable information can be found in a wallet or purse. So it's best not to leave them in places where you're not sure of its safety. Best of all, never leave your things unattended. Identity thieves may be working double time to get hold of any information from their victims so it's best not to give them a chance.

 

4. Bear in mind: not all the best things in this world come in great packages.