Identity Theft Shield: 5 Ways to Secure Your Information
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Many people over the years have found that with the busyness of family gatherings, it’s so much easier to do their holiday shopping online. Unfortunately, identity theft via a computer or internet is the easiest way to gain access to an individual’s identity. Yes, just like a home alarm system keeps out burglars, anti-virus and anti-malware software can keep out thieves. Nonetheless, you have to take precautions. Below, you will find five ways to avoid identity theft when using your computer to make online purchases. Also remember that identity theft can also occur if a thief breaks into your home and takes personal documents. Having an alarm system in place will help prevent this from happening and, if it does, video surveillance is a great way to identify the perp. 1. Pay Close Attention to Accounts for Signs of Identity Theft Always make sure that you are watching your bank and credit accounts. If you notice any unusual activity, make sure that you report it right away. 2. Never Give Out You Social Security Number Most banks and credit card companies ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number. However, only give it out if you already have an account with them. Otherwise, a thief can easily get your account details. Instead, ask for a callback number. Then, you can call them back yourself to give your information. This way, you ensure you’re really talking to your bank or credit card company. 3. Make Sure to Shred All Papers with Personal Information Get a paper shredder if you don’t have one. It’s a smart buy. Shred all papers with your personal details. This means things like account numbers, part of your Social Security number, and your address. Why? A thief can break in and steal this info to commit identity theft. So, putting in an alarm system can really scare thieves away. 4. Make Passwords Secure to Avoid Identity Theft Never make passwords words or characters that someone could easily figure out. Plus, don’t write your passwords down and leave them around the house so that anyone could get them. Make your passwords words and characters that only you know and don’t give out your passwords to anyone that you don’t trust. 5. Use Protection On The Computer to Avoid Identity Theft If you do a lot of home shopping from your computer, make sure that you have some computer security installed. Some proper security that you could install on your computer would be firewalls and spyware. Each one of the programs can keep your computer and identity safe from viruses and hackers. Make sure that the programs are updated before shopping online to secure that you have the best safety. Having knowledge of identity theft could save you from any harm happening to you this holiday season. One other way to protect not only you but your children is to teach them about identity theft. Teach your children not to give out any information to anyone that they don’t know or to anyone online. While identity theft is certainly something to watch out for during the holiday season, it defiantly should not keep you from doing your holiday shopping at your own comfort of your home computer. By following these tips, you can continue to enjoy the internet from just about anywhere. And don’t forget that an alarm system is also a valuable component in avoiding identity theft. Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Better with SPS Fire & Security Although SPS Fire & Security is a home and business security alarm company, our services can keep burglars out that can steal your personal information. Unfortunately, thieves will acquire credit cards, social security cards, and important documents for the purpose of committing identity theft. To learn more about how SPS Fire & Security can help you, call 585-770-0348 for a free consultation.