Identity Theft Methods

Understanding the common techniques that thieves use to take hold of your identity is important.  With knowledge you can keep yourself safe.  By knowing what to avoid, and how to handle your personal information, you lower your risk.  So here are a few ways identity thieves operate.

One of the most common methods is to use your old computer against you.  Many people don’t realize that even if you delete the files on your hard drive, most of the information can be recovered.  So when you throw away your old computer, or donate it to someone else, most of the info is till there.  That means stored information and passwords.  A thief can pick these up pretty easily.

You should always destroy an old hard drive, to keep yourself completely safe.  That’s really the only way to make sure the information is gone.  Otherwise you run the risk of someone else using your information against you.

Another mistake many make, is to just throw away documents.  Old bills, bank statements, etc.  They don’t realize that these provide all the information an identity thief needs to assume your identity.  Anything with your name and address needs to be shredded.  So a document shredder is an important addition to every home.  Or if you don’t have one, tear up the documents yourself.  But make sure to make the effort, or else an ID thief could have an easy pay day at your expense.

Pay attention to what information you freely give when people are in close proximity to you.  A mistake many make is filling out forms publicly, or giving out social security numbers where others can see or hear.  You have to guard that information.  So make sure any personal forms you’re filling out in public are covered up as you complete them.  Don’t talk about your personal information when others are within earshot.  You can’t know who is listening.  Additionally, Clear browser cookies afterwards to avoid third party tracking. Reputation.com and similar services can automatically do this for you. A mistake many make is filling out forms publicly, or giving out social security numbers where others can see or hear. You have to guard all of your information.