Be smart about protecting yourself against identity theft

April 8, 2011 – 9:42 am

How much information does a person really need to impersonate you? Your name? Your date of birth? Address? Armed with easily-found information such as this, and maybe a couple of additional tidbits like where you went to high school or your mother’s maiden name, an identity thief can access your existing accounts or establish new loans or credit in your name.

Information can be pulled from your trash. Waiters can swipe your card in a skimmer or simply write down your credit card number. A con artist can call your home and ask you to “verify” your information. Phishing e-mails can trick you into submitting your personal information online. It’s not as hard as most consumers think it is to gain access to your most valuable information.

But there are things you can do to secure and protect your personal information.

• Watch for shoulder surfers. When you’re entering your PIN or credit card numbers, whether at an ATM, at a computer or point of sale machine in a store, be aware of who is nearby and make sure no one is looking over your shoulder.
• Instead of signing the back of your credit card, write “See Photo ID.”
• Shred Everything. Don’t throw away anything that bears your personal information before you shred it.
• Destroy your digital data when you sell, trade or dispose of your computer.
• Be diligent about checking statements, to be sure there are no fraudulent charges.
• Limit the information on your checks. Never allow your Social Security number to be printed on your checks.
• Analyze your credit report annually, checking for inaccurate or fraudulent entries.
• Never carry your Social Security card with you.
• Don’t do business online with businesses you know nothing about. If you choose to purchase from a company you’re not familiar with, make sure the site is secure.

By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your identity – and your good name – are protected.

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