6 Steps To Lowering Your Risk Of Identity Theft

Identity Theft: A Part Of Our Lives

We live in an increasingly wired world, and with the vast majority of our sensitive personal information stored on a server somewhere, identity theft insurance is a must. The crime of identity theft is a deeply damaging one that steals from not only your bank account, but your credit score, your peace of mind, and even the security of others. Very little information is needed to steal someone’s identity, and most of the information hackers need is in plain sight. Hackers don’t have to be tech-savvy geniuses to walk away with your bank account information, and sometimes, they don’t even need to use the internet.

With all of that in mind, it’s extremely important to protect yourself against the scores of criminals out there. You may not be individually targeted, but it’s very likely that, one day, your information will be stolen. As with all other crimes, you can lower your odds of becoming a victim, and doing so is as simple as following this comprehensive guide to minimizing your risks.

The Next Target Might Be You

Don’t Forget about your Online Presence

If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you use email, online banking, and social media networks alongside a myriad assortment of other websites that store and use your information;-Shopping websites-tax preparation websites-credit score assessment websites Many others can store your info, and they can also warn you if your data has been compromised. Keep an eye out for unusual errors, changes, and inconsistencies in your accounts and it may just save you.

Reduce your Reliance on Physical Mail

It’s surprising to hear, but approximately half of all identity theft occurs when someone takes mail from your mail box or receives it by mistake.

Reduce your Reliance on Physical Mail Pt. 2

Try to cut back on how much crucial information is distributed to and from you via snail mail. It may sound counterproductive to go digital considering all of the big information leaks that take over the media, but they actually account for a surprisingly small number of identity theft, and going digital will reduce your risks.

•Pay your bills online•have your bank account statements emailed to you instead of paper copies•sign up for electronic notifications and statements through your bank

Your life will become more convenient, and you’ll lower your risk!

See If You Can Hack Yourself

Can you, using only information that is displayed on your profiles or known to many of your friends, access one or more of your accounts? If so, it’s time to go back and repeat the first four steps, because if your friends can easily guess the answers to your security questions, your passwords, your PINs, or your usernames, you are at risk. Don’t let a broken friendship ruin your credit!

Your computer itself, separate of all of your accounts online, holds an unspeakable amount of information about you, so it’s best to build on a solid foundation and make your computer as safe as it can be.

Give Your Computer The Defenses It Needs

Invest in a powerful antivirus that protects against malware. Have a backup hard drive prepared in case your hard drive fails, and don’t keep all of your information in one place.

Invest In Protecting Your Information

Follow these steps to slow, deter, or stop identity thieves, and share this with your friends so they can prepare as well!

Odds are, you’ll be a victim of identity theft in the next five years, so when it does happen, be prepared!

Final Tips

What do you think about your risk of identity theft? How do you think people can better protect themselves?What steps do you take to protect yourself and your family from identity theft? Share your ideas with us in the comments section below, and be sure to check out Cost U Less Insurance for your insurance needs!

What do you think?