Identity theft is a constant threat for almost everyone, both on the Internet and in daily life. If you have a social security or social insurance number, then you are burdened with the need to protect it and your identity from being compromised. ID thieves that gain your private information can use it to perform all sorts of malicious acts, such as impersonation or to take out fraudulent loans, that will completely mess up your life and finances. Victims frequently end up spending many months sorting through all of the problems that arise from having their identity stolen.
How to Protect Your Identity
The best way to minimize your chances of becoming a victim is by severely limiting access to your private information. Below are preemptive measures you can take against the most common methods of identity theft to prevent your information from getting into the wrong hands.
Dumpster diving: ID thieves go through dumpsters, trash cans and recycling bins to retrieve credit card statements, receipts and other financial information.
Before discarding any financial statements, use a paper shredder to destroy all confidential information that is no longer needed.
Shoulder surfing: Personal details such as your PIN number can be stolen by fraudsters looking over your shoulder at an ATM machine or a checkout line. Shoulder surfing is especially effective in crowded public places because it's relatively easy to stand next to someone.
Your best defense against shoulder surfing is to first be aware of who is around you. Cup your hand or use your body to shield the keypad before entering your PIN. Do this even when there is no one around to protect against hidden cameras.
Spyware: Spyware is software that is secretly installed on home or public computers to collect personal information. It can be installed in a number of ways, including visiting infected websites or downloading files or software from the Web.
Protect your computer from these threats by installing and maintaining the latest anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a personal firewall. NEVER use public computers for online banking or other financial activities.
NEVER let a website or software memorize your password. However, if your banking website has a "Remember my Card" feature, use it so that you won’t have to re-type your card number again the next time you login. This makes it more difficult for spyware to obtain your card number.
Phishing: Identity thieves use unsolicited emails and fake websites that simulate legit business sites to trick you into revealing personal or financial information such as usernames, passwords, and account numbers.
Most institutions do NOT request personal or financial information by email. So to protect yourself from phishing attempts, NEVER click on a link inside an email that asks you to connect to and/or verify your account details or personal information.
Vishing: ID thieves try to trick their victims into revealing financial information over the phone. A typical vishing call will ask you information regarding your bank or credit card account. Another approach is an email asking you to call a number to verify or update account information.
Be aware that many financial institutions will never call you and ask for your password or PIN. If you're suspicious about a call, contact your bank or financial institution using a phone number that you know is legitimate.
Mail Theft: Credit cards and financial statements can be stolen from accessible mail boxes, or your mail can redirected to a new address by people wanting to steal your identity.
Your best defense against mail theft is to know when your credit cards will be renewed and when bills are supposed to arrive. If they don't arrive when expected, notify the issuer or biller.
Other Online Threats: Identity thieves can steal confidential information by tricking people into purchasing products or services from fake websites. They can also capture information that is entered on unsecured websites.
Protect yourself by shopping at websites that you know are reputable and trustworthy. Before submitting personal information on the Internet, ensure the site is secure by looking for:
- URL beginning with https:// (Note the "s").
- Small padlock displayed in the lower right corner of your web browser.
Don't Panic If You're a Victim
If you're a victim of identity theft, there are a number of resources available that can help you.
One such resource in the US is the Identity Theft Resource Center. This non-profit organization provides countless tips on dealing with identity theft.
In Canada, you can contact PhoneBusters. They gather information and intelligence about identity theft and provide advice and assistance to victims.
