Covering Your Privates
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Ever wonder how identity thieves get a hold of your private data? When you understand that, then you can reduce the risk of losing your identity. Here are the more common ways theives get your personal information:
- Dumpster diving: More often than not, thieves will have a little look see into your garbage. They look for bills and anything that might have your personal information on it.
- Skimming: Sometimes thieves can steal your credit card or debit card information by installing a special storage device on card scanners. Ever use your credit card to pay for dinner but did you see what your waitress did with the card? It’s possible she ran it through a scanner with a skimmer attached.
- Phishing: Thieves make you think they are legitimate companies or banks like eBay or Citi Bank and by forging phony emails and websites to collect your personal information.
- Changing your address: Sometimes theives will change your mailing address with credit card companies and have everything mailed directly to them. Once they have that, they pretty much got all they need to start causing havoc.
- Stealing it: Most of the time thieves will attempt to steal the information they need. It might be your wallet, purse, even your mail. A lot of sensitive information can be found on bank statements, bills, or pre-approved credit card offers. The other common way theives get personal data is to steal information directly from their employers.
Too often you aren’t even aware that your identity has been stolen until it’s too late. By that time a common identity thief has run up thousands in debt or drained your bank accounts. Knowing now what to look for and how identity thieves get personal data, you can take steps to “cover up your privates.” That might mean purchasing a shredder, upgrading your security software, or installing locks on your mail box. Each and every precaution you take makes you that much safer. If you’ve ever lost your identity then you know that the time it takes to play it safe is minimal compared to the time it takes to get your life back.
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