Tips for Preventing Identity Theft

Minor Lifestyle Changes for Security's Sake

So how do you protect yourself from becoming one of those 9 million Americans that were victimized by an identity thief last year? Well the best and safest thing for you to do is to sign up with an identity theft protection service. Short of (or in addition to) that, there are some things you can do personally in your life that will help protect your identity:

• Don't login through e-mails: In order to avoid falling victim to a phishing attack, you should automatically be suspicious of any e-mail that comes from a bank or other important agency that demands a login from you. The best way to handle such e-mails is to either get on the phone and call the business directly to try to verify its legitimacy, or if you prefer, simply open your web browser yourself (do not use the link provided in the e-mail), and go to the business's website by manually typing in the address. Login and see if there is any indication of the trouble or issue that the e-mail warned you of.
• Modify your mailbox: The ability to steal mail out of a standard mailbox is responsible for more than $250 million worth of identity theft losses every year. A few simple changes to your mailbox can help keep your mail safe from this type of theft. If your mailbox does not have a lock on it with a small slit that the mail carrier can put mail into, consider replacing it. Never EVER put your outgoing mail such as bill payments, in your mailbox at home. Instead you should use a bill pay service through your bank or if you must, drive your outgoing mail to work for pickup or to the local post office.
• Invest in a good shredder: In order to defeat the dumpster divers, you should invest in a good crosscut shredder. Do not rely on the older, strip-shredders as these do not sufficiently mask information from determined identity thieves.
• Don't carry too much information: If you have multiple credit cards, do not keep them all in your purse or wallet with you when you go out. Only take the ones you need or believe you will use - one or two at a time. Also, if your social security number is in your wallet or purse, you should take it out immediately. There is no valid reason to carry it around with you at all times and is a "trump card" and golden ticket for any identity thief if they should happen to get their hands on it.
• Get a good computer firewall: There isn't anything you can do to protect your information that is floating around out there on government, banking and utilities computers across the country, but you can work to protect your own personal computer from being hacked and having your information stolen. Invest in a good firewall service from McAfee, Symantec, AVG or other companies that provide them and keep it updated as often as required.