What Do You Understand By The Concept Of Identity Theft?

Identity theft is something that no one would ever want to experience as it is a case where the victim looses almost everything their financial status and even personal identity. Using everyday data such as your social security number and drivers license the id theft thieves can easily assume your identity to open new bank account, write bad checks, establish new credit card account, avail loans and even take cash advance on your name.

Additionally they might also set up cell phones or run up bills and utility services apart from just making charges on your previous account. The thieves can even gain access to your employment identity and rent an apartment over your identity. Just a single instance of this crime can negatively affect your credit score which can create a lot of problems when you need to avail financial help in the future.

Types of id theft

You can say it identity theft when someone else has sufficient information about you to stand up as you. The id theft criminals can use your information in different ways. There are way main types of id theft or the reasons for the theft. Firstly it can be for account takeover in which the criminals would use all your existing bank accounts including credit cards and run huge bills for you to pay.

The other common type is application fraud. With this type the criminal would take your information to open new accounts, which can take several days to detect as the address provided to the company would probably not be your real one.

How to prevent identity theft

Firstly you should know what you have which means getting ready of all the debit and credit cads you have with their contact numbers. Make sure you don’t carry more than 2 debit or credit cards with you. In case you would be around people such as the city center, keep your wallet safe and in less accessible place.  When using the ATM, using your hand as a shield when typing the PIN would be wise. There are several other things to consider to prevent identity theft

•  Order a copy of your credit report every year and carefully review it. In case you find any suspicious activity make sure you immediately report it. You must also check your credit card and bank statements every month.
• When using your card in shopping malls or petrol pumps watch when it is swiped so that you ensure the clerk does not try to run it through skimmer which stores your information. Make sure you carry the receipt with you rather than just throwing it away.
• Buying a paper shredder can be an excellent and secure method to dispose all those financial junk mails and credit card receipts. This will help you ensure your personal and financial information is completely destroyed.
• When shopping online make sure you are providing your information to a secure shopping site by checking if they are SSL certified