Identity theft is a fast-growing type of crime. But did you know that it’s also the No. 1 source of consumer complaints made to the Federal Trade Commission? It’s actually been the No. 1 complaint for nearly the past two decades.
Consumer protection officials say identity thieves look for the easiest targets first. They inevitably prey on the elderly and less tech savvy population, but in the end, they’re coming for all of us. It pays to have a heads-up approach to identity theft in today’s online world. That’s why we wanted to share with you six of the easiest (and best!) ways to avoid becoming a victim:
- Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Store it in a safe place at home instead.
- Order a free credit report at least once each year. It’s a simple preventive measure that may alert you to suspicious activity on your credit report. It’s estimated that 25% of all credit reports contain some type of error.
- Check your credit card statements each month. Make it a habit to review your credit card statements each month, comparing all charges made to your card to your actual receipts.
- Use strong passwords with all online accounts. One of the best ways to prevent identity theft is to use hard-to-crack passwords to protect your personal data and financial accounts.
- Be reluctant when asked to provide personal information. If you’re asked for personal information, don’t be afraid to question the request. Avoid providing any personal information verbally when other people are within earshot.
- Take precautions when using public wi-fi. If you connect to a public wi-fi network, information you send could be accessed by others. Here’s what you need to know to keep your information safe.
By following these six tips, you’ll be well on your way to protecting your identity. Remember, monitoring your credit report may be the most effective post-theft method, but if you follow the other tips listed here, you’ll be well on your way to securing your personal data.