6 Ways to Have Your Identity Stolen
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by: JedJenson
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Think identity theft can't happen to you? Think again. Research shows that 10 million individuals will become a victim of identity theft this year. If you are not aware of the ways your identity can be stolen, it is very likely that you will be one of the millions of individuals who will have their identity stolen this year. The best defense against becoming a victim of identity theft is by knowing the 6 ways your identity can be stolen.
First, one of the easiest ways your identity can be stolen is through a losing a wallet or having it stolen. Thieves can take your personal information from a driver's license, social security card or other identifying information found in your wallet. With this information, they can open credit card and utility accounts in your name. Thieves may also attempt to obtain public services, get a driver's license or official ID card issued in your name, but with their picture on it, or even give out your personal information when arrested.
The second way your identity can be stolen is by becoming too comfortable with your day to day happenings. When you become routine in your schedule, you tend to let your guard down and fail to protect your personal information, especially your financial information that is on paper. Identity theft crimes are more likely to be perpetrated by someone you know or with whom you feel comfortable. For example, if you employ someone who works within your home, you will need to be sure that your personal papers are in a secure location within your home. Also, be aware of those cashiers who process your credit cards for you. Untrustworthy clerks can duplicate your credit card receipt or use a special device to capture your data.
Another way thieves can steal your identity is by scouring dumpsters or trash cans in order to get receipts from financial institutions or pre-approved credit card applications. Thieves use this information to open credit card accounts in your name. They have even been known to create counterfeit checks with your bank name and account information on them. It is extremely important to not only monitor your incoming papers but to monitor your outgoing papers and shred all financial documents before trashing them.
A fourth way thieves steal your identity is through telemarketing phishing scams. Callers may pretend to be an employee of a popular company, such as Wal-mart, and indicate that there was a problem with your payment. Most people fall for this type of scam hook, line and sinker. It is also important to be careful about what you tell others about yourself when on social websites or employment websites. Identity thieves are great at using any tidbits of personal information to take over someone's identity.
The fifth way thieves steal your identity is by watching your actions at ATM's. Thieves are literally looking over your shoulder and stealing your information. You should always be aware of your surroundings when using automated teller machines. Thieves look to see what numbers you type in when entering your pin. They then follow you, wait for a chance to get your ATM receipt, and then gain access to your bank account.
The final way to have your identity stolen is to, quite simply, fail to put protective measures in place to keep thieves from gaining access to your personal information. It doesn't matter whether you purchase identity theft protection services or put your own steps in place to protect your identity, the fact that you are not protected will leave you susceptible to having your identity stolen.
Knowing a thief's offense is by far the best defense in protecting your identity. Knowing how your identity can be stolen is the first step to guard against one of the 10 million individuals who will have their identity stolen this year. It is important to become aware of how thieves can access your personal information and so you can put protective measures in place.
About the Author
Jed Jenson is full of identity theft tips. To get more advice about how to prevent identity theft, keep reading.
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