Thinking Like An Identity Thief

There are many ways that identity thieves will try to get at your information.  Knowing those ways is great protection, as you’ll know how to combat every avenue an identity thief will use.  So thinking like a thief isn’t a bad idea, because you’ll be able to better protect yourself.  By strongly considering the ways that a thief would try to get to your information, you can also find ways to prevent that, and close those streets.

So here’s a list of identity theft techniques.  By knowing them, you can change your habits to make them a dead end for anyone looking to steal your identity:

-Data identity theft.  I mention it all the time, but that’s because people don’t seem to realize what a real risk data theft is.  Most of the data that you delete on your cell phone or computer hard drive can be recovered by anybody relatively tech savvy.  So any hard drive or phone that you throw away either needs to be completely destroyed or wiped by a professional.  Otherwise your data isn’t safe.

-Employment scams and employee infiltrations is another one you need to beware of.  Sometimes an identity thief will create a fake job opening so that they can use the personal information you submit against you.  The same is true about infiltration.  Some companies unknowingly employ identity thieves who will gain access to your protected information, and steal it to use the info against you.

-Phishing is another huge tactic.  This is where a fake email or website soliciting personal information from you is made to look trustworthy and authentic.  But identity thieves use these to trick you into entering sensitive information that they can use against you, without your knowledge.

-Don’t forget about the old school tactics either.  Pickpocketing and shoulder surfing may seem archaic nowadays, but many thieves still resort to both tactics.  Don’t let your pride fool you into thinking a pickpocket isn’t lurking around the corner, waiting to steal your wallet and abuse the information.  Always protect what you carry with you, and be aware of anybody trying to look over your shoulder while you’re filling out a form or using an ATM.