How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft (Tips & Awareness)

July 23, 2024 By admin No Comments 10 minutes

What is identity theft? Is there a way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud? There’s a lot to learn about the modern digital age, and with that said, even though there are many ways to protect yourself online, there are equally as many cybersecurity threats. 

TIP – Never share your information online, especially sensitive data. Never share your full name or social security number, click on links, etc. Just about anyone can steal your data and impersonate you. Also, while accessing banking apps or visiting gambling sites, consider connecting with FastestVPN to encrypt your connection and secure your data. 

One of the more popular or high-tide threats today is identity theft. It’s one of the biggest online attacks that results in loss of data, compromisation of social security numbers, Credit Card fraud, and more. This guide will show you ways to prevent identity theft and fraud.  

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is an attack that targets your personal and financial information without your knowledge or permission. When identity theft attacks take place, information like your name, home address, work address, social security number, credit card pin code, insurance data, medical data, and more are hacked, misused, and compromised.  

Identity theft, in short, is a threat to the online security and privacy of an individual. Unfortunately, it is a crime and one of the most fast-pacing fraudulent issues today. Attackers can steal your information from credit card details, passport information, social media data, and other financial credentials.

When information like this is in their hands, they can easily use it to commit fraud by impersonating you. It can happen through keystrokes, fingerprints, social security numbers, and other ways.

The possibilities are endless when you’re a victim of identity theft. The perpetrator can easily use your identity to make online purchases, use your bank accounts, apply for passports or air tickets, and even impersonate you to access safety deposit boxes.

Signs of Identity Theft

It’s not always easy to know when your identity is about to be stolen. Sometimes, the victim doesn’t know they’ve been targeted and finds out way after they’ve been hacked. If you feel this is the case, there are a few signs that tell you you’re a target or victim of identity theft: 

• If you receive notifications or bills for items you never bought but are being charged for it.  
• Mail that you were expecting stops reaching you. 
• You check your credit card report and find payments for things you never bought or accounts you never made using your name. 
• You receive a call from a debt collector and get charged for opening up accounts you weren’t aware of in your name. 
• Loan applications are being denied because someone used your name and took one already. 
• Data breaches happen every other day, and most users aren’t aware that their email, ID details, and other identifying information can be used to commit breaches or frauds.

Before proceeding with recommended methods to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, you need to review the basics above to understand identity theft better. So, if you’re wondering how to report identity theft or feel like you’re a victim, it’s first better to recognize the signs. 

How Does Identity Theft Take Place?

Scammers can trick you in many ways, including face-to-face, online, through social media, and even over the phone.

• Scammers might steal your wallet or purse to get your ID, credit cards, or bank statements. They might even rummage through your trash for these documents.
• Identity theft can also take place by scammers installing skimming devices on ATMs, cash registers, and gas pumps to steal your card information electronically.
• Public Wi-Fi isn’t always friendly! Be cautious using public Wi-Fi, as scammers can potentially steal personal information from your phone if it’s not secure.
• Don’t be fooled by fake messages that seem authentic. Scammers use “phishing” tactics to pull you into giving up personal information through emails, texts, or phone calls that appear legitimate.
• Social media can be a double-edged attack. The attacker can get your personal details from information you share publicly on social media, or they might trick you into revealing it through online quizzes or surveys.

Ways an Identity Thief Gets Hold of Your Information

The following are the most common ways an identity thief can get access to your information:

Unsecure Websites / Apps

There is a lot that goes unnoticed on the internet. Most websites monitor and store information. When you log on to a malicious page, they can use your information to steal your identity; often called unsecured browsing. When you’re entering a website, make sure it’s https and not just http.

Institutes with Larger Access to Personal Data

Data breaches occur almost every day like clockwork. Attacks are usually targeted toward organizations with access to numerous user data at banks, hospitals, insurance companies and more.

Impersonation of Known People

Phishing scams are also a way for thieves to steal user identity. The perpetrator can impersonate your bank manager or legal agent through call, text or email, and ask the user to provide information like social security numbers or other personal information.

Paper Trails

Never leave pieces of paper with information just lying around. A simple line with your name, address, and number can be used. Discard all mail that you think is obsolete but contains personal details.

RIFD

Have you heard of RIFD theft? The attacker can use a device to scan the RFID code on your credit card chip. Then, it can be cloned and used to make online purchases and other things. Even though this isn’t a more significant threat than other schemes, it is best to read up on RIFD blocking.

Recommended Methods to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft and Fraud

If you’re wondering how to report identity theft, it’s first better to go through multiple tips on preventing it. Here are a few ways for you to prevent identity theft: 

Password Protection

One of the best identity theft protection methods is as simple as using a strong password for all your media apps, accounts, devices, etc. Many users in the USA and other countries use smartphones without adding any passwords to their devices. This leaves devices vulnerable, tempting others to access your phone or devices without your knowledge. The same goes for using weak passwords for social media accounts, emails, etc. Never make simple passwords using your date of birth, favorite color, country, etc. 

Never Give Out or Carry Your Social Security Card

Your Social Security number (SSN) is like a key to your financial identity. If someone steals it, they could wreak havoc by using it to open new accounts in your name. To prevent this, keep your SSN card safe at home, not in your wallet. A lost or stolen wallet could be a goldmine for an identity thief! Plus, if someone calls you, impersonating legal institutes like banking or loan officers, etc., never give out your social security number. Always go in person and do some digging first.  

Use a VPN and Security Software

Not every connection is secure, and for security, you need to encrypt it with the best VPN. FastestVPN is built with AES 256-bit encryption, matched with industry-leading security features. With it, you can access your social media accounts, apps, and other services without exposing your data and maintaining your online privacy. Apart from FastestVPN, you can pair it with identity theft software like Identity Guard, AURA, Identity Force, and more. 

Prevent Phishing Attempts

We get emails, text messages, and phone calls daily from unknown numbers or addresses. They might seem authentic, asking for your personal information like social security numbers, full name, phone number, bank account details, etc. It could also involve you clicking on malicious links, making payments for things you don’t buy, and more. The best thing to understand is that banks, etc., never ask for sensitive details via email or phone call. Always find out the source before responding.  

Get a Password Manager

Just in case you use the same password for multiple accounts or have a tough time creating new ones, consider using a password manager. However, ensure that you don’t use just any provider. Research and look up only the best password managers. They also help store your passwords apart from generating new ones. However, ensure that you remember the master passcode for these passcode vaults.  

Keep Your Documents or Data Secure Always

Apart from maintaining online data, keeping paper trails secure is crucial. For example, when you go to the ATM or make payments, you might receive receipts, etc. Always tear the paper and discard it; never throw it out whole. The same goes for emails, etc. Consider deleting the most obsolete or junk mail without letting it pile up. 

Don’t Give Away Personal Details on Phone or Email

Have you ever gotten a call from the “bank” claiming that your account is about to be shut down? Then, they hurriedly ask you to provide your account number, OPT codes, ID card numbers, etc. You should immediately be alarmed. This is because it’s a rule for banks or legal agencies to never push for information over a call or email. 

Ensure You Safely Use Public WiFi

Connecting to free Wi-Fi is tempting, but that isn’t always safe. Yes, you can use your family member or a friend’s Wi-Fi, but connecting to hotspots at cafes, airports, etc., is not the safest option. If the connection is vulnerable, anyone can interfere with it and hack the data on your device. Always consider using FastestVPN as the best security software while using free Wi-Fi.

Check Your Credit Reports Regularly

It’s a good practice to check your credit reports regularly or weekly to protect yourself from identity theft. This is to help ensure that all your account statements are accurate and that you don’t find unregistered payments. Apart from that, try canceling pre-approved card purchases or credit card payments. 

How Many Kinds of Identity Theft Are There?

There are a few kinds of identity theft. They include: 

• Financial identity theft 
• Medical identity theft 
• Child identity theft 
• Synthetic identity theft 
• Criminal identity theft
• Tax identity theft 

FAQs – Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

To Conclude

These are just a few tips that are effective. However, you can use a VPN as it strengthens your overall online protection! All-in-all, stay focused on everything around you. As mentioned above, sometimes paranoia is the best key to protecting yourself online. Follow the short but effective tips above to protect yourself from identity theft. Consider monitoring your finances, changing and using strong passwords regularly, using a VPN, and making sure to look up authentic sources from any emails, calls, or texts you receive.