5 Practical Steps To Avoid Identity Theft

Millions fall victim to identity theft annually, through stolen credit card numbers or fake accounts. For identity thieves, it's a lucrative operation—resulting in tens of billions of dollars in losses each year. Identity theft is partly pushed forward by the a great many data breaches happening every year. Though you can't stop a breach from leaking your personal data, there are methods to lower the chances of fraud or identity theft and lessen its effects.

Ensure Online Safety

As our lives become increasingly ly connected, it's necessary to safeguard your identity with robust ID protection measures. Here's how to begin:

• Avoid sharing personal information on social media. Social media can be a source for identity theft, so refrain from posting personally identifiable information (PII) like your full name, Social Security number, driver's license number, bank account number, email address, and passport number. Never share PII through messages, especially with unfamiliar individuals or companies.

• Don't access personal accounts over unsecured wireless networks. Accessing bank accounts on public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in coffee shops or libraries, can be risky. Even your home Wi-Fi network needs to be secured with a password to prevent theft.

• Secure your accounts using indomitable passwords and multifactor authentication. Weak or stolen passwords are a primary cause of data theft. Improve your password security by avoiding password reuse, using a password manager, keeping written passwords hidden, and not using common passwords. Find a Better Solution for security with multifactor authentication (MFA), which adds a secondary verification method like a text message, fingerprint, face scan, or authentication app prompt.

• Check for spyware or malware on your devices using antivirus software to detect any malicious activity.

• Be smart when paying online. Use trusted third-party payment gateways for secure purchases.

Secure Your Credit

When you freeze your credit file, no one can access or request your credit report. This means no one (including yourself) can open an account, apply for a loan, or get a new credit card while your credit is frozen. To freeze your credit, you need to contact each of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. The credit bureaus offer online, phone, or mail-in options for freezing your account. Afterward, they will give you a PIN or passcode to use if you need to temporarily lift or remove the credit freeze. Credit freezes are complementary and have no impact on your credit rating.

Stay Alert When Traveling or in Public

When you travel, keep unneeded items, such as your Social Security card, securely at home. If you bring a laptop, cell phone, or another device, ensure it's protected. It needs to be password-protected and updated with the latest security software. Check if your hotel offers secure Internet access or can recommend a safe Wi-Fi spot before going online.

In public, steer clear of unsecured Wi-Fi networks that hackers can easily compromise. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

Shred Personal Documents Before Disposal

Dumpster diving may seem like an outdated method of stealing personal information, especially with the rise of phishing scams and online data breaches, but it remains a tactic used by criminals. While some individuals search for usefuls or furniture, others aim to steal your data.

Store a few months' worth of credit card and bank statements, utility bills, IRS correspondence, and other documents with PII in a secure place like a safe. Shred any documents you no longer need.

Monitor Your Mailbox

Mail theft can lead directly to identity theft. Request a hold on your mail if you're away. Think about getting a lockable mailbox approved by the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, enroll in USPS Informed Delivery to preview your mail and spot any missing items.

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