Identity Theft Is On The Rise

Online shopping, as proven by this last holiday season, mostly because of convenience, I guess, is quickly becoming the way we purchase our stuff these days. But the scary part is when it comes time to enter your personal information online. You think it is secure, they promise you that it is, but is it really? Too many news reports coming out talking about a new security breach that compromised thousands or millions of personal accounts. Crazy, huh?

We are working harder these days to protect our identity online and over the phone, because the criminals are getting sneakier and sneakier. They are likely more computer savvy that we would ever hope to be. Why wouldn’t they be? They have nothing but time to become that.

We’re definitely seeing an increase in identity thefts here recently, especially just before the holidays. It’s too bad, but it is happening more now than ever before.

My simple solution, which is pretty easy for me…just don’t have money to steal. Ok, maybe that is a little farfetched.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your identity:

Secure your social security number. Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet or write your number on your checks. Only give out your social security number (SSN) when absolutely necessary.

• Don’t respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or bank account number) by phone, mail, or online.
• Watch out for “shoulder surfers.” Shield the keypad when typing your passwords on computers and at ATMs.
• Collect mail promptly. Ask the post office to put your mail on hold when you are away from home.

Would you like more info? Get it here.