Identity Theft
| Before we have the unbreakable encryption of quantum computers, identity theft will remain an issue. Here are some tips to avoid having this crime happen to you. |
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nfortunately, the types of identity theft have increased with the use of the Internet. There are still the old-school approaches, such as stealing mail out of your mailbox, but Internet crime is on the rise, as personal information becomes easier to find and obtain.
It also is not limited to adults. Children and teens are vulnerable to identify theft, too. Children have access to the Internet while very young, and they don’t always understand the consequences of giving out their information online. Reviewing a Lifelock page shows options for preventing identity theft. Here are types of identity theft to be aware of.
Old-School Identity Theft Is Still in Fashion
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Beware of people watching you type personal information on your laptop or tablet at a coffee shop, or listening to your telephone conversation as you place an order and give out your credit card information. Never leave your computer unattended, especially while personal information is displayed on it. A quick snap with a cell phone camera, and your information is now in someone else’s hands.
Dumpster diving for personal records is still a favorite pastime of identity thieves. They will go through trash bags and cans looking for anything that has your account information on it. This is a great reason to go paperless in your life as much as possible. Even document shredding is no guarantee. Inexpensive shredders can make nice, neat strips that can be taped together to get your information.
Credit card applications, especially the “pre-approved” cards, are especially dangerous. If they are intercepted in the mail, or you throw them out without shredding, someone may try to activate a card in your name.
Internet Identify Theft as High-Tech Fraud
You may encounter dozens of websites throughout your day on the computer. Some may look legitimate but are actually shells to get your personal information. Account information, passwords and social security numbers should never be entered online unless you are absolutely sure of the website's legitimacy.Emails with too-good-to-be-true offers should never be responded to. Spammers send these emails to thousands of people at a time. They only need a few people to respond to cause big problems.
New account fraud is on the rise, according to InvestingAnswers.com. This is when stolen personal information is used to open new accounts at banks and retailers. This type of fraud is often unnoticed until the victim sees the credit report or starts getting calls from bill collectors. By then, the person is long gone, and so is the cash or merchandise.
Cell phone accounts and credit cards are the most targeted for new account fraud. The account is set up with a different address, so the victim receives no notice of activity on the account.
Medical Identity Fraud
Medical identity theft is one of the most harmful types. With this, someone uses your personal information to obtain medical services, often very expensive types of treatment. The victim receives the bills, often after the insurance company has covered their portion. The victim’s medical records also contain false information that, if unnoticed, may prove harmful when treatment is needed for an accident or illness.They key to preventing identify theft is knowing how to keep others from getting to your information. Familiarize yourself with the various ways people commit fraud, and don’t let yourself become a victim.
How do you protect yourself against identity theft? Tell us in the comments.
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