| Beat Online Identity Theft | | | | unless you have initiated the conversation. Some |
| Unless you have been hiding under a rock lately, | | | | companies call you from "xxx cellular" and ask to |
| you will be well aware that there is a new breed | | | | go through some security questions, asking for |
| of criminal. The levels of Online Identity Theft | | | | your mother's maiden name etc. Online Identity |
| have reached new heights. | | | | Theft criminals use these techniques often so |
| Why should you protect yourself? For a start, | | | | don't give them this info and ask them to put it in |
| someone who steals your identity can obtain | | | | writing instead. |
| credit, insurance or even somewhere to live. If | | | | - If you use a home wireless network, make sure |
| they commit a crime with your stolen identity | | | | it is secured. It is easy for criminals to locate an |
| you may be arrested and the onus is on you to | | | | unsecured network with a wireless card, and then |
| prove your innocence. | | | | use special software to hack your banking sites |
| Here are some quick tips to make sure you don't | | | | and passwords. Get a new router with special |
| fall victim to online identity theft: | | | | security. This is a common problem and one of |
| - Whenever you use your credit or debit card, | | | | the main causes of online identity theft. |
| you are entitled to obscure 12 of the 16 numbers. | | | | - If you think your identity has been stolen you |
| Use a pen and delete the first 12. Credit card | | | | need to do the following; first contact your bank |
| details are needed to steal your identity and | | | | and credit card company and request an |
| obtain credit in your name so take this out of the | | | | immediate cancellation and replacement. Speak to |
| equation first. | | | | one of the main three credit bureaus to issue a |
| - Don't give out your social security number | | | | fraud alert. File a police report which can be later |
| unless it's required. Banks may ask for it and | | | | used as evidence for creditors. Contact the |
| that's fine but some businesses may ask for it to | | | | Federal Trade Commission, who manage a |
| generate an ID. You are not entitled to do this so | | | | database of online identity theft cases and file a |
| find a compromise with them. | | | | report. This report can be used by investigating |
| - Shred your used personal documents. Think of | | | | officers and will save you time. |
| your social security details, lender statements, | | | | - Above all, use your intuition. Don't carry your |
| phone company bills and even medical receipts. | | | | credit card numbers and don't take extra ID if |
| Before you destroy anything, make sure you | | | | you don't need it. If you eat in restaurants, take |
| won't need them again. It will be virtually | | | | the receipt home with you. |
| impossible for someone to steal your identity | | | | If you follow these tips you too can avoid |
| now. | | | | becoming victim to online identity theft. |
| - Don't give out personal details on the phone | | | | |