How to Minimize Your Risk of Falling Victim to Identity Theft

Imagine waking up one morning to a notification that someone has completely emptied your account. You call the bank, desperate to know who drained your funds, and they tell you that you did. Except you didn’t. The blood drains from your face as you realize what has happened. Someone has stolen your identity, and with it, all your money.

Although just hypothetical in this scenario, identity theft remains a horrible reality for many people. Claiming about 14 million victims in 2019, it has quickly become an immense threat. Once a thief has your information, here’s what they can do with it:

• Buy things with your credit cards

• Get new credit cards

• Open a phone, electricity, or gas account

• Steal your tax refund

• Get medical care

• Access your medical records

• Pretend to be you if arrested

• Purchase a firearm

Even if you feel like you already have protections in place, remember an ounce of prevention has more value than a pound of cure. Consider the following behaviors that can put you at risk:

#1: Do You Carry Your Social Security Card in Your Wallet?

I cannot stress how much of a danger you pose to yourself by carrying around your physical, social security card.

When you lose your wallet, it’s bad enough that your cash, your ID cards, and your credit cards have likely disappeared forever. You don’t need the additional stress of knowing some thief now has access to your social security number. Once a person has that information you may as well kiss your bank account balance goodbye.

#2: Are You Over 60 Years Old?

Many identity thieves exclusively target elderly citizens because they find them more trusting than younger generations. Most citizens aged 65 and up believe that we can generally expect honesty and integrity from people, while younger citizens believe the opposite.

Additionally, seniors place themselves at greater risk because they often depend on other people to take care of their paperwork and bills. Not to mention, scammers can get their information quite easily over the phone.

#3: Do You Regularly Give Out Personal Info Over the Phone?

Stop this immediately.

Exceptions exist, of course. If you call a trusted business, you have less to worry about. However, if anyone calls you and asks for your personal information to verify your identity, you should say nothing but “good day, sir” (if you’re a 20th-century British street sweeper).

#4: Are You Careful of Email Scams?

Traditional email scams might bait you with promises of easy money, bogus business or investment opportunities, pre-approved credit, or loans — and the list goes on. If it sounds too good to be true, don’t trust it.

Today, a common email scam includes a message from some heir to a fortune, and he or she asks for help them access their funds in exchange for a percentage of the fortune. A few signs of this scam include:

• You don’t recognize the email address

• You don’t know the sender

• They ask for money

• It just feels shady

“Phishing” has also become a popular email scam method. Scammers write convincing emails that look as if a real organization has messaged you. The subject line might warn you of a problem with your account, and the sender will often redirect you to a fake page where you will have to provide your personal information to “fix the issue.”

Both scams ensnare victims because they play on two of our most powerful emotions: fear and excitement. Remember to check your email with logic, not emotion.

#5: Do You Properly Dispose of Bills and Bank Statements?

Firstly, identity thieves aren’t the only people to watch out for here. Remember to read the fine print anytime you “agree” to pay for services, even for phone apps. Most businesses have integrity, but some make their fortune by exploiting the carelessness of their customers. Once you’ve “agreed” and provided your info, you have pretty much placed your fate in their hands.

After you’ve protected yourself against money-hungry service providers, take steps to protect your identity from trash bandits. Though most bills and bank statements remove sensitive information, you should still take care when disposing of mail. It might surprise you how far someone can get with limited, non-sensitive personal information, like:

• Address

• Email

• Medical details

#6: Do You Use Dating Websites?

It sucks to think that while you just want to steal someone’s heart (and have them steal yours), someone else wants to steal your livelihood. Although we cringe when thinking about it, you always need to stay vigilant against this reality.

When joining dating websites, always check their credibility first. Find out:

• How this platform protects its user data

• Other people’s experiences with it

Even if a dating platform passes your little vetting process, you may still encounter people who have malicious intentions. The Federal Trade Commission lists these signs that a scammer has their sights set on you:

• Professes love quickly

• Claims to have American citizenship but are currently traveling overseas for business or military service

• Asks for money, and lures you off the dating site

• Claims to need money for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel

• Plans to visit but cancels because of an “emergency”

Bottom line: If they seem just too perfect, trust your gut. Please take caution and move slowly. The love game should involve a rush but should not involve being rushed.

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Take advantage of fraud alert services.

Most banks will immediately notify you via email if they detect fraudulent or unusual activity on your account. Consider downloading your bank’s app, and don’t forget to turn on your mobile notifications.

Protect your passwords with two-step authentication.

Don’t just stop at creating a strong password. If you want a higher level of protection for your online accounts, use a two-factor authentication software or app. Apple products have this technology built-in, but you should still consider doubling up.

Minimize giving any personal information to anyone online.

This should seem pretty self-explanatory. If possible, do not give out your personal information to people online. Exceptions include might online companies that have visible trust badges. If you don’t see any of these, keep it moving.

Also, shut down access to your personal social media sites beyond your friends, and never include any personal information on your sites beyond your name and perhaps what state you live in. Adding your birthday, your high school name, and even your hometown can give ID thieves good information to start them snooping.

Shred credit card and bank statements.

If you still receive bills through the mail, invest in a shredder or a good pair of scissors. Also, remove yourself from pre-screened credit card and insurance offers here for free. Yes, there are now more efficient ways to steal someone’s identity, but we can’t overlook the classics like this one, known as “flagging.” Destroy any mail that has sensitive, personal information. You should also consider giving paperless billing a try, which offers both greater identity security for you and better protection for the environment.

Don’t click links in an email

If you receive an email that grabs your attention, you might feel compelled to click the link and learn more. Don’t do it!

Many email scammers disguise themselves as well-known companies and use fake links to collect information. Always check the “from” address before interacting with an email. In fact, you should type the URL in yourself to avoid fake sites. You can also verify links with tools like Norton Safe Web and AVG.

Memorize your SSN, and never leave the house with that card again

Committing your social security number to memory is the authentic stamp of adulthood. If you simply can’t remember it, write in a locked notes app on your phone.

Consider using a digital wallet.

Although these can’t offer 100% security, they can provide greater protection than physical wallets because they don’t expose personally identifiable information to the public. Also, you won’t lose your debit card or plane ticket if you have digitized them.

Final Takeaway:

Unfortunately, most people disregard the threat of identity theft because they don’t feel susceptible to it, instead believing they can enjoy the comfort of false security. None of these things are inherently unsafe, but they may make you vulnerable to identity thieves.

You naturally want to feel protected from identity theft, but remember to challenge that protection now and then. If you feel unsure about your identity safety, make a routine out of checking your habits and the behaviors that may put you at risk.