Identity theft accounts for upwards of $13 billion lost annually. Around 8.6 million households in the United States are affected by identity theft, but how can you help protect yourself? The first step is knowing the common causes of identity theft to avoid.
Lost or Stolen Wallet
By far, the most common way identities are stolen is from lost or stolen wallets and credit cards. Whether you dropped it, left it at a restaurant, or you were pick-pocketed, a thief can do a lot with your wallet and credit card. Protect yourself by being aware of your surroundings at all time. Should you ever find your things misplaced, dial the credit card company immediately to have your cards frozen.
Stolen Mail
Identity thieves aren’t above stealing your mail, especially when it comes to credit card or bank statements, tax information, and pre-approved credit card offers. Not only do these reports often give thieves your bank history, but it also may inform them of your account numbers. Criminals may even fill out credit card offers in your name and get lines of credit using your identity.
To avoid theft, be sure to know when your bank statements are coming in the mail and when the mail is deposited. Consider getting a P.O. Box at the post office for these pieces of information. If you want to take it a step further, enroll in a program that reduces pre-approved credit card offers as a means of proactively protecting your identity like LifeLock Standard™.
Dumpster Diving
The amount of information we throw away is astounding. From utility bills to credit statements, some criminals go through our trash to steal personal information that should be kept private. To protect yourself from stolen information, purchase a shredder and request that the whole family shred credit statements, governmental letters, and any personal records that are brought home.
Close Friends and Family
Unfortunately, one of the most common ways that identities are stolen is from people that are close to the victim. Loved ones may unknowingly give information that should be kept private.
The only way to protect yourself from this problem is by keeping your friends and family informed of any scams that are out there. You can look up all current scams on the Identity Theft Resource Center. Here, you can learn about any scams that have been popular including where the fraud is being carried out.
Online Fraud
Online identity theft accounts for 13% of complaints to the Federal Trade Commission. This method is carried out by making websites that look official and sending emails that are phishing for information. Sometimes the website links appear to you in emails. While it can be difficult to protect yourself against online fraud, it is possible.
Avoid giving out any personal information online. If you think the email is official, call whomever you think is contacting you. Under no circumstances should you call a number listed in the email. For example, if the email is masquerading as the Social Security office, call your local Social Security office.
