Are you concerned about your online protection and want to be safe from identity theft? In this blog, we’ll learn 10 ways to protect yourself from identity theft.
On average, every 2 sec, a person falls victim to identity theft. More than 1.5 million reports were received in the USA alone by the FTC. So, it’s time to be aware and safe from being victims of identity theft.
Personal details, including bank details, driving license numbers, emails, and various other information. It can be used by someone else to commit crimes and gain financial benefits. Even though some of the data is encrypted, it doesn’t mean it’s secure.
The advancement of technology has provided both positive and negative effects. Talking about negativity has increased the reach of frauds, hackers, and online theft to new heights. So, we should be careful and aware when using pieces of information to prevent ourselves from identity theft. Be sure to also use a USSD code to check if your phone is hacked or tapped.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft happens when an individual uses another person’s details. It may be like citizenship number, credit card, phone number, and other information without their consent and permission to commit crimes and frauds. Identity thieves often make unauthorized transactions and purchases.
Who are victims of identity theft?
In most the cases, the following people are victims of identity theft,
Children
Children are often considered vulnerable when it comes to cases of identity theft. They are not aware of using their personal information properly and putting their sensitive data in social media likes. Also, many thieves create credit profiles using children’s social security numbers.
Old people
There are numerous cases of identity thieves targeting old age people due to their less technological knowledge than young people. They are more likely to be victims of fraud, scams, and phishing as they tend to visit harmful emails and messages without knowing the consequences.
Social media users
Social media has been a central hub where people share all kinds of stuff, including their sensitive information. With an increase in social media usage, there are equally higher identity theft numbers.
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Ways to protect yourself from identity theft
Here are some ways to protect you from being an identity theft victim:
- Tear your documents
You should never throw away documents containing your personal information without shredding them. Identity thieves are hungry to find your bank statements, social security number, and other details to hunt you financially.
- Monitor your credit reports
It is easy to get your credit reports from the credit bureau. You can check your credit reports monthly if you suspect any unusual activities. You can keep an eye on fraud and scams you are unaware of.
- Review credit card statements
You should ensure that all parties you are associated with and your purchases are appropriate before paying them. Consider closing your account if you don’t use a credit card from banks or stores.
- Avoid public network
Avoiding using public networks and wifi can be another way to prevent yourself from identity theft. Open networks can often be a mechanism for scammers to enter your device. It would help if you considered not accessing your financial data through public networks.
- Password protection
Using stronger security on your phone will be hard to bypass for identity theft, and identity thieves will find it hard to access your personal and financial information. Also, consider locking all the applications with financial details for extra security layering.
- Freeze credit report
You may consider freezing your credit card report, as it will be impossible to create a new bank account in your name unless you remove the freezing. Also, your information will only be assessed by an assigned pin code.
- Be mindful of where you share your personal information.
You should be aware of phishing, fraud, and other scams where people ask for your personal information without authentication and verification. Many identity thefts are being done from your emails, phone calls, and SMS.
- Installing Security apps
Installing security applications on your device can protect you from vulnerability from online frauds and scams. Security applications will detect any unusual and suspicious activities on your device and report them to you.
- Two-factor authentication
This feature helps to add a layer of security to your personal information. Whenever you login into any websites and applications, the system will ask you to fulfill requirements and follow certain processes to access information and perform actions.
10. Social Media usage
There are many cases where people misuse your information with the help of social media. It would be better to avoid adding an unrecognized account, keep strong security, and most importantly, don’t share your address, phone number, and other sensitive information.
Conclusion:
We believe this blog provides you with tips and ways to protect you from identity theft. In the last few years, identity theft cases have been increasing, so you should be aware of protecting yourself and your family from any casualties. Consider using your sensitive and personal details properly, and be mindful of any online, financial, and medical identity theft.
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