HOW TO HELP THAT IDENTITY THIEF
Identity theft is not a common happening in this part of the world but it can't be ignored either.
At one time or the other you've got a raise and your pocket had become fatter. At that time, you are not the only one monitoring your account, someone else is keeping tabs too. It could be your accountant, bank manager or some random guy who is more interested in your account than you are — that is your potential identity thief
Identity theft nearly ruins or even ruins individuals and families because of some negligible habits we keep. Here are some simple habits you haven't thought about, that make your identity easier to steal.
If you want to make the bad guy's job easier, here are some bad habits to keep up.
1. Throw away junk mail without shredding it.
When you get junk mail — solicitations for donations, unneeded document of a longtime concluded business and life insurance offers — leave them intact and put them in the trash. By not shredding them, you give the perpetrators easy access to personal information. This allows them to get generalized information like age, health, income and other things which can lead them to your identity. At a time when banks do send statement of account via mail, it was easier for anybody (potential identity thief) to get confidential detail like your name, address, account number, account balance etc, which makes gives him the perfect mask to be you.
2. Forget your receipts.
Leave receipts in stores or mart. Toss them into public trash cans where they can easily be retrieved and used as a means to follow up your financial stability.
3. Carry it all on you.
Carry your Social Security card or your automatic pin generator with you. Place pin numbers on sticky notes to your card or carry a little black book containing all your passwords, passcodes and pin numbers with you at all times in case you forget what they are. If your wallet is stolen, this makes it so much easier for the bad guy to clean out your accounts and get credit cards in your name.
4. Save your passwords and cookies.
Save all your passwords and cookies on your laptop. Don't bother routinely changing your password because then it's just one more thing you have to remember and goodness knows you have enough. If your computer is stolen, all that luscious information is in there and the thief has easy access to it. Keep two passwords to yourself and never reveal to anyone.
5. Use bad ATM etiquette.
When making a withdrawal, do it in a crowd of people so you are less likely to be held up. Make large gestures when putting in your pin number so anyone watching won't have to guess. Leave before the final screen comes up.
6. Ignore your bank accounts.
Don't bother balancing your checkbook as often. Don't monitor transactions. Don't set any limit to what can be withdrawn. This way you won't even be aware you've been hacked until it's too late.
7. Don't worry about duplicates cards.
Don't keep duplicate cards in a safe where you can find the 800 number to call and cancel the card if yours comes up missing. Give the perp time to charge up some things.
8. Mix it up in the office.
Keep credit card information and bank account website logins saved on your work computer in case you need to make purchases during your lunch hour. After all, who's going to use your work computer? It's probably never going to be hacked.
9.Stick it in the mailbox.
Post your outgoing mail at your house rather than driving it to a secure post office mailbox. Chances are greater of someone walking by and swiping it while you're away.
10. Enjoy phishing.
Feel comfortable and free to give out personal information on the phone and over the Internet to anyone who asks. They must be legitimate if they have your email and phone number.
11. Tell all on social media.
Make sure to post your travel plans on all your social media so that identity thieves and burglars know you'll be away so that they can devise a way to make an unannounced visit to your home or collect your mail for you during your absence.
12.Don't use protection services.
Don't subscribe to services like LifeLock or those offered through your credit card companies. These will make it almost impossible for your identity thief to adequately do his job.
13. Save your passwords and internet details on every computer
Always save your passwords and username to your social media on every computer you use for the internet or in cafés. This allows a potential innocent identify thief easy access to all he need by just visiting a cafe.
By using one or more of these easy steps, you will increase your opportunities of supporting your local identity thief.
At one time or the other you've got a raise and your pocket had become fatter. At that time, you are not the only one monitoring your account, someone else is keeping tabs too. It could be your accountant, bank manager or some random guy who is more interested in your account than you are — that is your potential identity thief
Identity theft nearly ruins or even ruins individuals and families because of some negligible habits we keep. Here are some simple habits you haven't thought about, that make your identity easier to steal.
If you want to make the bad guy's job easier, here are some bad habits to keep up.
1. Throw away junk mail without shredding it.
When you get junk mail — solicitations for donations, unneeded document of a longtime concluded business and life insurance offers — leave them intact and put them in the trash. By not shredding them, you give the perpetrators easy access to personal information. This allows them to get generalized information like age, health, income and other things which can lead them to your identity. At a time when banks do send statement of account via mail, it was easier for anybody (potential identity thief) to get confidential detail like your name, address, account number, account balance etc, which makes gives him the perfect mask to be you.
2. Forget your receipts.
Leave receipts in stores or mart. Toss them into public trash cans where they can easily be retrieved and used as a means to follow up your financial stability.
3. Carry it all on you.
Carry your Social Security card or your automatic pin generator with you. Place pin numbers on sticky notes to your card or carry a little black book containing all your passwords, passcodes and pin numbers with you at all times in case you forget what they are. If your wallet is stolen, this makes it so much easier for the bad guy to clean out your accounts and get credit cards in your name.
4. Save your passwords and cookies.
Save all your passwords and cookies on your laptop. Don't bother routinely changing your password because then it's just one more thing you have to remember and goodness knows you have enough. If your computer is stolen, all that luscious information is in there and the thief has easy access to it. Keep two passwords to yourself and never reveal to anyone.
5. Use bad ATM etiquette.
When making a withdrawal, do it in a crowd of people so you are less likely to be held up. Make large gestures when putting in your pin number so anyone watching won't have to guess. Leave before the final screen comes up.
6. Ignore your bank accounts.
Don't bother balancing your checkbook as often. Don't monitor transactions. Don't set any limit to what can be withdrawn. This way you won't even be aware you've been hacked until it's too late.
7. Don't worry about duplicates cards.
Don't keep duplicate cards in a safe where you can find the 800 number to call and cancel the card if yours comes up missing. Give the perp time to charge up some things.
8. Mix it up in the office.
Keep credit card information and bank account website logins saved on your work computer in case you need to make purchases during your lunch hour. After all, who's going to use your work computer? It's probably never going to be hacked.
9.Stick it in the mailbox.
Post your outgoing mail at your house rather than driving it to a secure post office mailbox. Chances are greater of someone walking by and swiping it while you're away.
10. Enjoy phishing.
Feel comfortable and free to give out personal information on the phone and over the Internet to anyone who asks. They must be legitimate if they have your email and phone number.
11. Tell all on social media.
Make sure to post your travel plans on all your social media so that identity thieves and burglars know you'll be away so that they can devise a way to make an unannounced visit to your home or collect your mail for you during your absence.
12.Don't use protection services.
Don't subscribe to services like LifeLock or those offered through your credit card companies. These will make it almost impossible for your identity thief to adequately do his job.
13. Save your passwords and internet details on every computer
Always save your passwords and username to your social media on every computer you use for the internet or in cafés. This allows a potential innocent identify thief easy access to all he need by just visiting a cafe.
By using one or more of these easy steps, you will increase your opportunities of supporting your local identity thief.
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