Things You'll Need:
- awareness that identity theft occurs and that it could happen to you
- protective measures
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Step 1
Do not carry any more personal information with you than is appropriate for where you are going. Identity theft can happen anywhere and in more than one way. It is not likely any more that you need your social security card in your purse for instance. You also do not need three different credit cards when you go shopping. Leave some of them at home.
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Step 2
Limit the amount of paper records that have personal information on them. Keep important documents under lock and key.
Use a shredder for all credit card offers sent to your home.
Many people commit identity theft by going through garbage cans, removing credit card applications and using them. -
Step 3
Protect your social security number and refuse to give it out for virtually any reason to avoid the risk of identity theft. Do not even think of telling any telemarketer no matter why they may tell you they need it.
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Step 4
Before putting any personal information on a website and setting yourself up for identity theft, ensure that it is THE safest and insured that it can be. Even then, it is better not to put any personal information on the internet at all. However, if you do, be sure the website address starts in https and not the typical http and will have a lock symbol beside it.
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Step 5
For those who still have to place personal information on the internet, be sure that you purchase and install THE absolute best anti-virus, anti-spam, firewall - everything you can possibly get to protect yourself from identity theft.
