While there is no way to 100 percent guarantee that you will not become a victim of identity theft, there are some steps you can take to decrease the likelihood that it happens to you. Follow the steps to below to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
- Protect your social security number. The number one way criminals are able to establish credit in your name is by having your social security number. Here are some suggestions to better protect your social security number:
- Do not give your full social security number over the phone (most reputable companies will request last 4 digits).
- Do not carry your social security card in your wallet.
- Secure or shred any documents that contain your social security number on it.
- Protect your incoming and outgoing mail. Many criminals seek out credit card pre-approval offers by sniffing through their victims' mailbox. Here are some suggestions to better protect your mail:
- Put all outgoing mail in an actual post office mailbox instead of your home mailbox.
- If you do leave mail in your home mailbox avoid putting the flag up.
- Shred any mailed pre-approval credit offer letters.
- Keep trashcans in a location that is viewable to your neighbors.
- Protect your computer. Do not allow hackers easy access to your personal data on your computer. Here are some suggestions to better protect your mail:
- Make sure you have up-to-date anti-virus software loaded on your computer.
- Make sure you have up-to-date anti-spyware software loaded on your computer.
- Avoid clicking on links or opening emails from unknown senders.
- Never send sensitive information regarding your personal identity within an email.