What can I do to protect myself from identity theft?
If, like most of us, you use computers, use robust password protection for
all personal information. You may think that you only have personal information
on your computers at home. However, if you go online your system can be hacked.
Firewalls and antivirus protection help, but if hackers can get into the
Department of Defense’s system (they have) they can get into yours. If you have
good password protection on your data even in your own computer, your risk of
identity theft is greatly reduced. Also, someone can brake into your home and
access your computer. Password protect your data wherever it is stored.
Video: Understanding Identity Theft (USPS)
Social networks such as MySpace.com and Facebook.com, etc., are very popular, but the more information about yourself you put into the web, the greater the chance it will be compromised. Unless you need it for work, minimize your use of social networking online.
Get and use a good spyware protection program. Spybot is free, frequently updated and quite effective. There are a number of commercial programs as well. They keep out spy bots, which collect date from your computer and report it to outsiders, including identity thieves.
When you shop online use only secure sites. These will have an “https” (the s for secure) in their URL. These sites have encryption systems which will protect your data.
The next tip has been around for decades, and people still regularly ignore it. DO NOT WRITE DOWN YOUR ATM PIN. Use one you can remember without difficulty, but that is very hard for anyone else to guess. Don’t use your address or phone number. If you absolutely have to write down your pin, please don’t write it on your ATM card or a piece of paper next to it.
Almost all banks offer online bank statements and electronic bill paying. Bank statements are a prime source of personal identifying information, and you don’t need to have paper copies today. If, in spite of everything that’s been said, you still use paper bank statements and other paper documents with account numbers, etc., use them, record what you need to know, and shred the paper documents. Use a crosscut shredder. The older shredders make strips that are relatively easy to reassemble.
Home delivery of mail is convenient, but rather dangerous. A locking mail box is helpful, but most are still readily accessible. Those pre-approved credit cards you don’t want are manna from heaven for identity thieves. They remove them from the box, fill them out & send them in and get a new credit card on your credit. Use a post office box that requires a key to prevent this.
Video: US Army - Soldiers should be aware of identity theft
Check your credit report every 6 months. You can do this yourself or hire a company to automatically do it for you.
Opt out of credit card offers. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688) or go to www.optoutprescreen.com to stop such offers for five years. You can also contact the three credit reporting bureaus at the addresses listed at the end of this article.
Have your mail held when you will be out of town.
Use unlisted phone numbers and addresses.
Pay cash at retail stores to avoid using credit information unnecessarily.
Never give out info, in person, over the phone or on the internet to someone who contacted you unsolicited.
Consider getting, and using, a home safe.
