Identity Theft – Protecting Yourself

It is a crime which can leave a person’s credit and future in tatters: identity theft. Identity theft is the crime where a criminal deliberately steals the confidential information of another person and assumes that person’s name, using their information for their own ends. With the level of technology available in this new century, it is more difficult than ever to keep one’s personal information safe. Every day, our information is being passed around in the form of e-mails, bank statements, and postal mail. Once our information is intercepted, it is near impossible to set things right.

There are a number of steps you can take to avoid allowing your identity to be stolen. First, try to avoid allowing your information to be accessible to begin with. Make sure you keep your information confidential, and share only if you must. If you are accessing information on the internet, be very cautious which website you allow to have access to your personal information. Keep Internet Explorer to a minimum of “medium-high” security. Always run your anti-virus to avoid any worm viruses and if you must use a website, scan it carefully first.

If your identity is compromised, immediately call or e-mail the Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov
You should also contact your bank right away and ask them to alert you to any changes in your account, and notify your credit card company to block any incoming charges. You may also wish to contact the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=136412,00.html

The Social Security Administration is also a good idea if your social security ID card is stolen: (http://www.ssa.gov/oig/guidelin.htm).

Identity theft can be one of the most damaging situations you find yourself in. However, with a little bit of prevention and playing it safe, you can at the very least minimize the damage, if not prevent it all together.

Entry Filed under: identity theft