According to recent statistics, approximately a third of the people who live in the United States have been the victim of identity theft. It is a growing crime; it is an evolving crime; it is a crime with severe consequences; and, ironically, it is a crime with surprisingly effective prevention measures. While you might be unable to control the level of diligence with which others treat your personal identifying information (PII), there are proactive steps that you can take to safeguard your own PII and reduce the threat of becoming an identity theft victim.
If you have been the victim of identity theft – or if you just heard about or received a notice from a company with which you have done business that has suffered a cyberattack – lawyers for identity theft victims can help you determine the best course of action for you and if necessary, seek justice on your behalf.
Identity Theft and Why You Should Try to Prevent It
Identity theft is the illegal use of your PII by criminals for fraudulent purposes like accessing or opening financial accounts, unauthorized purchases, or committing crimes in your name. PII includes your name, Social Security number (SSN), birthdate, credit card and account, and any other data that distinguishes or identifies you. It is a crime that has both immediate and long-term consequences; consequences that range from multiple calls to financial institutions to the destruction of your creditworthiness.
The damage done to an individual’s credit score can result in the denial of loan applications, getting loans at high interest rates, and even getting a job or renting an apartment in some cases. Victims often experience anxiety, fear, stress, and a sense of violation. The fear of future attacks can lead to constant worry and even depression. Identity theft can also result in criminal impersonation, where the thief commits crimes in your name leading to criminal charges and other complex legal entanglements.
The best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft is by being vigilant about safeguarding your PII. This attentiveness must pervade most components of your life.
Protecting Yourself Online
- Secure Your Devices: Secure all your devices with strong passwords and up-to-date anti-malware software. All devices include computers, tablets, and smartphones, as well as any other devices on which you store sensitive information or access the Internet. Make sure all your passwords are unique and strong – at least 8 characters long with a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols – and avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or “123456.” You should also change your passwords regularly to further reduce the risk of PII theft.
- Be Skeptical of Email: Cyber criminals know how to get a reaction from you. Phishing emails and other email scams are common methods for acquiring personal information. Learn how to recognize them. Should you ever receive an email or text message asking for sensitive information – even if it appears legitimate at first – be cautious. Many identity thieves pose as government officials or financial institutions to gain access to your PII. Be wary of unexpected emails from people you do not know and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from people you do not know or businesses with which you have never done business. Verify the legitimacy of requests for personal information, especially those claiming to be from financial institutions or government agencies.
- Don’t Share PII on Social Media: It’s always the best practice not to share any personal information online or on social media platforms. This includes birthdays, home addresses, office addresses, and phone numbers for yourself and those you care about. Thieves know how to use this information to steal your identity.
- Do Not Use Public Wi-Fi for Conducting Business or Shopping Online: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured networks that allow anyone within range to access them without needing authentication credentials; this means they can be easily intercepted by hackers who are looking for unencrypted traffic with sensitive data like credit card numbers or bank account usernames/passwords being sent across them which can lead to identity theft if stolen by malicious intent actors.
Protecting Yourself Financially
- Monitor the News: Be aware of data breaches and cyber security happening in the world. If a business or institution that likely has your PII stored somewhere is the victim of a cyber breach, know what steps they are taking to mitigate the damage for its customers.
- Monitor Your Credit and Financial Statements: Frequent review of your credit reports and financial statements is crucial. You can request and receive a free credit report per week from the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Review these reports as well as bank statements, credit card statements, and investment accounts of any suspicious activity. Quick identification of irregularities allows for swift action.
- Protect Your PII: Carry only the essential documents and cards in your wallet or purse. Avoid carrying your Social Security card, passport, or sensitive financial documents unless they are necessary. If your wallet is lost or stolen, the less personal information it contains, the better. Your SSN is a prized target for identity thieves. Only provide your SSN when necessary. Invest in a paper shredder to dispose of sensitive documents properly. Thieves often go through trash to find discarded financial statements, credit card offers, and other documents that can provide access to your personal information.
- Secure Documents: Store important documents, such as passports, Social Security cards, and financial records, in a secure and fireproof safe or lockbox.
In some cases, despite all precautions, identity theft may still occur. If you believe you have become a victim, there are several actions you must take immediately – such as notifying the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline, placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, closing any compromised accounts, filing a police report – to begin minimizing the damage done by the criminal.
In some situations, seeking legal assistance can be invaluable. In some situations, legal assistance is necessary. Consumer Attorneys will guide you through the process of resolving the issue, protecting your legal rights, disentangling you from the and seeking damages if necessary.
Be Cautious. Stay Vigilant
Protecting yourself from identity theft is a never-ending endeavor. It requires approaching the world with the right amount of caution while doing what you can to protect yourself. It requires staying current and maintaining your understanding of cyber security threats. Because computers and cyber criminals’ methods are constantly evolving, your diligence will need to evolve too.
Given its potential financial and emotional repercussions, taking active steps towards preventing identity theft is essential to one’s security. Right now, by implementing these strategies and staying informed about emerging threats, you can reduce the risk of being an identity theft victim. Taking these steps today can help safeguard your personal information and offer peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.