How To Prevent Id Theft?

In an age where cyber world reigns supreme, most people find love in front of their computers. They find themselves chatting with unknown people and fall in love with them even though they have never met them. All that they know about each other is only from the information that has been volunteered. As they get to know each other, they break the rules that protect them from ID theft and willingly part with personal information such as Social Security Number, bank account number and much more.

The Schemer and the dreamer

ID theft has never been so easy for the schemer as it is now. The thief does not have to steal it. He is willingly provided with the tools that makes his job much more easier. And as Valentine’s Day approaches and the dream of love seems to be in your palm, you ignore that little voice that warns you against parting with your personal information.

The thief, who is not there to steal your heart but only your personal information, takes advantage of your weakness and takes you for a long ride. Given below are some of the ways in which you can protect your heart and identity from being stolen.

a) Protecting your smart phone  - Everyone uses a Smart phone to text and email their loved ones. After numbers and email IDs are exchanged, the dreamer and the schemer communicate via this mini-computer that can be carried everywhere. Love letters and messages are exchanged and sometimes they may have attached malware that ensures that the schemer gets hold of all the information that is stored in your smart phone. Protect yourself by:

• Encrypting data on the drive of your Smart Phone and have hard copies and back up.
• Don’t carry all information with you. You do not need such information all the while. Keep it locked away from the prying eyes of the schemer.
• Your phone must have anti-virus, phone tracking device and back up so that you can protect your data.
• Most of the phones are Wi-Fi enabled but that does not mean that you should use it everywhere. Use only trusted network and do not enter personal information on an unknown network.

b) In Love with the Schemer – Schemers on prowl for dreamers are often hackers who are able to easily enter your bank account via your personal phone. They will jam your phone like so that you do not receive any notifications about movement of funds. When you get to know of it, it is too late to react. Protect yourself by:

• Not providing any personal information about you. Your being in love has nothing to do with your bank account or your Social Security Number.
• If your online lover has too many phone numbers, which appear to belong to different countries, then beware of him.
• Do not accede to any money transfer requests.

c) Take help from watchdogs – If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft report it immediately. Taken steps to resolve your problem and protect yourself by:

• Reporting the theft or your doubts to any of the three major credit bureaus. They will place a fraud alert on your files on request. This fraud alert will ensure that no one is able to misuse your personal information.

• Monitor your credit periodically by taking advantage of accessing your free credit report from annualcreditreport.com.

d) Keep all Personal information close to you – If you are shifting from one city to another, then carry all your personal documents with you. Do not pack them with other goods and send them through the movers. Take care of all documents, especially financial documents like your bank account details, address books, checkbooks et al.

You can never do enough to protect your identity. It is one of the most important things in your life. If your identity is stolen, your life will be destroyed. Therefore, keep all personal information safe with you and away from the prying eyes of your cyber lover.