What Is Identity Protection?

Identity theft has become one of the most common crimes in the 21st century.

Identity theft and identity fraud have become an everyday occurrence. In 2007, it is estimated that $49.3 billion dollars were stolen through identity theft, with the average victim losing $5,720. There are several simple things that can help protect you from becoming a victim of identity theft, though. Caution and awareness aside, identity theft protection has become a premier consumer service.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is defined by the Federal Trade Commission as anytime a person uses another person's personal information, such as name or Social Security number. The use of another person's currency, such as checks or a credit card, without the owner's permission also qualifies as identity theft.

An estimated 9 million American's are victim of identity theft per year. There are several ways which the perpetrator's receive the stolen information, the most common of which are phishing, pretexting and skimming. More ways which an identity can be stolen include actions as simple as sifting through garbage to get personal papers and outright theft.

Identity Protection

Because of the overwhelming amount of identity theft, you must be willing to defend yourself against such crimes. Identity protection is any action you take that actively protects your identity. There are now several services, habits and precautions you can take in order to ensure your identity remains safe and unmolested.

Protection Basics

Though the largest portion of identity theft occurs electronically, there is still a large amount of identity theft that happens by other means. The simplest way by which you can protect your identity is to destroy documents that hold your personal information, such as credit card offers, bank letters that need not be kept and even information on past student loans. The Internal Revenue Service recommends you keep your financial information for the past seven years; anything past that point should be destroyed unless otherwise specified or for other means. Shred or burn what you do not require and be sure to check your mailbox to be sure no statements or anything else containing your information is stolen.

Protecting Against Electronic Identity Theft

Since the advent of the World Wide Web, even personal information has become more accessible to those which would use it in order to commit crimes. Every computer connected online runs the risk of being hacked. Firewalls, antivirus and anti-spyware software can go a long way in order to protect your computer and you from such attacks. Also, when purchasing items online, be sure the site you are ordering from is a reputable one.

identity Protection Services

There are other forms of identity theft that do not require electronic or physical theft to occur. Pretexting for example uses a premise in order for you to give out your personal identification. It may sound like a con, yet this can happen everyday anywhere and anyone can become a victim. Purchasing lunch at a drive-through with a credit or debit card can lead to this. In order to protect from such things, identity protection services have become a prominent part of identity protection. These services protect your identity through continuous electronic and verification means.

References

• Privacy Rights Clearing House: Identity Theft Surveys and Studies
• Federal Trade Commission: About Identity Theft
• 5identitytheft: Identity Protection Services Reviews