Six Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft

  • Aug 03, 2011
IDENTITY GUARD recently reminds consumers that Identity theft remains a major threat to consumers of all ages. Fraud protection is essential for everyone from infants to adolescents to adults because identity theft is such a costly and potentially life-changing crime.

According to a February 2011 Javelin Strategy & Research report on identity theft and fraud protection, more than 8.1 million identities were stolen in 2010. On average, victims of identity theft were responsible for paying $631 in out-of-pocket costs, such as those to cover fraudulent debt or legal fees, which is a significant rise from $387 in 2009. The California-based market research firm says the increased need for fraud protection may stem from thieves focusing more on new account debit card fraud.

The climbing costs may provide individuals with even more incentive to better monitor their credit reports and scores. While a credit and 
fraud protection program can be a great asset, consumers should also make sure to take the proper steps to lower their risk of identity theft.

Here are six tips that may help consumers better defend against thieves.

1. Avoid throwing away any private documentation -- bills, credit card offers, bank statements -- that contains personal identifying details without first running it through a paper shredder.

2. Take receipts after a purchase and check their listed amounts against credit card bills. This approach may help a person identify any fraudulent charges on his or her statements.

3. Avoid carrying your Social Security card out of your home unless it's absolutely necessary.

4. Have your mail delivery temporarily suspended when you are on vacation.

5. Use a different password for each online account and construct passwords with a combination of numbers, capital letters, and, if 
possible, symbols.

6. Stay abreast of the latest online fraud tactics. Knowing what scams are out there can help individuals practice safer Web browsing 
 behavior.

Featured

  • Progressing in Capabilities

    Progressing in Capabilities

    Hazardous areas within industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture and the like, have long-sought reliable video surveillance cameras and equipment that can operate safely in these harsh and unpredictable environments. Read Now

  • A Comprehensive Nationwide Solution

    A Comprehensive Nationwide Solution

    Across the United States, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, truck yards, parking lots and car dealerships all have a common concern. They are targets for catalytic converters. In nearly every region, cases of catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed. Read Now

  • Planning for Your Perimeter

    Planning for Your Perimeter

    The perimeter is an organization’s first line of defense and a critical element of any security and surveillance program. Even if a building’s interior or exterior security is strong, without a solid perimeter surveillance approach any company or business is vulnerable. Read Now

  • The Key Issue

    The Key Issue

    It is February 2014. A woman is getting ready in her room on a cruise ship when she hears a knock on the door; it is a crewmember delivering breakfast. She is not presentable so she tells him to leave it by the door. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Genetec Security Center

    Genetec Security Center

    This major new release allows more system components to run in the cloud, reducing the gap between cloud and on-premises security systems. It also makes it easier to connect external systems and tap external data for use in dashboards, maps and investigations without relying on complex, specialized integrations. 3

  • VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    Johnson Controls announces a powerful recording solution to meet demanding requirements with its VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder. This solution combines the powerful capabilities of victor with the intelligence of VideoEdge NVRs, fueled by Tyco Artificial Intelligence, for video management that provides actionable insights to save time, money and lives. 3

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3