Protect Your Identity : Identity Theft Does Happen
Identity theft can sometimes seem like a myth; you hear about it on the TV or read about it in magazines but it doesn't really happen in real life, does it? The answer is YES!!
Having your identity stolen is a real possibility despite people thinking it is. The fact that people do not think it will happen to them makes it even easier for these identity thieves to get to work.
With the launch of social networking sites it is not hard to get some ones full name, date of birth and even their address. This sometimes is all the ammunition that an identity thief needs to get started on stealing your identity!
Having your identity stolen is a real possibility despite people thinking it is. The fact that people do not think it will happen to them makes it even easier for these identity thieves to get to work.
With the launch of social networking sites it is not hard to get some ones full name, date of birth and even their address. This sometimes is all the ammunition that an identity thief needs to get started on stealing your identity!
Identity Theft Does Happen!
How To Protect Your Identity!
Like many things through life, identity theft is something we only really hear about in the extreme circumstances. TV news reports and news papers are only going to tell us something when it is really head line grabbing stuff - PERSON A LOSES 1 MILLION DOLLARS IN INDENTITY THEFT CASE or PERSON B LOSES THEIR BUSINESS IN CASE OF STOLEN IDENTITY; These are extreme cases and you could be forgiven for thinking they wont happen to you - More than likely you don't have a million dollars to lose anyway.... However identity theft happens every single day.
It could easily happen to you - Maybe you throw out an old bill or something; this immediately gives the thief your full name and address. Maybe your facebook site has details of you and your family on it; GREAT! This gives the thief your name, date of birth and more than likely a few answers to your security questions (Childs name, favorite colour, mother maiden name).... It could be something as simple as letting builders into your home - More than likely you have a draw, a box or a cupboard with all your important documents... These can easily be taken, or photo copied!
Identity theft can affect you in a great number of ways. If the thief starts to take out loans, credit cards and even mortgages in your name; then does not make the repayments this can make a huge dent in your credit scoring. Maybe one day yourself you will apply for a credit card and been turned down, identity theft could be the reason!
There are a few simple precautions you can take:
Lock away all your important and personal documents
Shred any bills, paperwork and documents before you throw them away
Only allow you people you actually know to view your social networking websites
It is easy to become a victim of identity theft especially because it is something we all least expect - but it can happen!
It could easily happen to you - Maybe you throw out an old bill or something; this immediately gives the thief your full name and address. Maybe your facebook site has details of you and your family on it; GREAT! This gives the thief your name, date of birth and more than likely a few answers to your security questions (Childs name, favorite colour, mother maiden name).... It could be something as simple as letting builders into your home - More than likely you have a draw, a box or a cupboard with all your important documents... These can easily be taken, or photo copied!
Identity theft can affect you in a great number of ways. If the thief starts to take out loans, credit cards and even mortgages in your name; then does not make the repayments this can make a huge dent in your credit scoring. Maybe one day yourself you will apply for a credit card and been turned down, identity theft could be the reason!
There are a few simple precautions you can take:
Lock away all your important and personal documents
Shred any bills, paperwork and documents before you throw them away
Only allow you people you actually know to view your social networking websites
It is easy to become a victim of identity theft especially because it is something we all least expect - but it can happen!
A Great Way To Protect You Identity
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Lock up your social security card, birth certificate, passport, and other personal IDs .
Amazon Books
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Destroy all documents containing personally identifying information when you dispose of them
eBay Products
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Protect your home computer. Use, and update regularly, virusand firewall protections to prevent outside access to your computer
Helpful Videos
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Never reveal your bank account, credit card, mother's maiden name or social insurance number over the phone
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Beware of mail or telephone contacts informing you of prizes and awards - especially if
they ask for personal or financial account information.
Protect Your Identity
Links!
- Identity Theft Protection
- Protect Your Identity Website
- Ask Debz :: Content Creation
- Creator Of This Lens
by DebzUK
DebzUK
My name is Debz and I am an article writer and content creation writer based in the North West of England
Content Creation
more »
- 21 featured lenses
- Winner of 11 trophies!
- Top lens » A Quick Look At Office Furniture
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- AMERICA'S OBSESSION WITH PRIVATE MATTERS AMERICA'S OBSESSION WITH PRIVATE MATTERS
- Identity Theft Commercials Identity Theft Commercials
- Document Shredding Services Document Shredding Services
- The National Motor Club / eRoadsideService.com The National Motor Club / eRoadsideService.com
- The Do's and Don't's - How to Prevent Identity Theft Financial Ruin The Do's and Don't's - How to Prevent Identity Theft Financial Ruin
- SOS Folks : Stop Online Scammers SOS Folks : Stop Online Scammers
