Evolving To Protect Your Information

Protecting yourself from identity theft isn’t very difficult.  In most cases it only requires making a few life and social changes.  Changes that really won’t be that evident in the long run, but could be the difference between becoming a victim of identity theft.  After all, wouldn’t it be great to know that your identity was safe, without a ridiculous amount of effort on your part?

So where do you start exactly?  Well how about remembering that private information is called such for a reason.  Protect your personal information as much as possible.  Don’t leave your purse/wallet lying around where anybody could have easy access.  Also protect information when filling out a form at places like the doctor’s office, etc.  Anything as simple as your name and address could be the start of an identity thief using your identity against you.

The current age of information accessibility has made your identity more easily accessible by thieves.  But turn the tables on them.  Because of the more available info, use search engines like Google and Bing to find out where you’re mentioned on the internet, and correct the things you don’t like.  If a site is giving out too much information, and you’re uncomfortable with it, take the time to ask if they’ll make changes to protect your interests.  In most cases you shouldn’t have a problem, and you’ll be safer for those efforts.

Check your bank statements at least once a week.  Most banks offer online banking, which would give you fast access to all the activity in your account and in your name.  Take advantage of this, and keep tabs on your account often, so you can spot any possible problems.  In the same respect make sure to check your annual credit report.  Any inconsistencies should be immediately addressed, as they could be a sign of identity theft.

Finally, when switching cell phones, be careful about the data in your old phone.  Deleted information actually isn’t deleted at all, and any personal info you stored on the phone could be recovered by a tech savvy thief.  The best protection is not to store any sensitive information on your phone.  Keep account numbers and passwords in your mind, not on the phone.