How To Avoid Identity Theft

In the United States, identity theft is a crime that has been on the rise in the last several decades. Unlike other crimes, such as robbery, theft, or vandalism, it is sophisticated and involves no physical violence. However, it is distressing and can cause a great deal of damage to the victim. In this article, we'll discuss identity theft in detail, how to prevent yourself from becoming targeted, and what to do if you become an unfortunate victim.

How Criminals Steal People's Identity

Fraudsters use all manner of tactics to steal the identity of other people. Some common identity theft examples include:

• • Phishing. Criminals posing as legitimate companies send emails to their victims. The emails contain links to fake websites where the individual will enter their personal information.
• • Cold calling. Fraudsters call while pretending to be from genuine businesses. They can extract personal information, such as credit card details which will then be used for criminal activities.
• • Data Breach. It is an example of a cybercrime where criminals access the computer systems of major companies. They then obtain the personal details of the company's customers, which are used for illegal purposes.
• • Theft. It occurs when a person willingly hands over their details at, for example, a shop. The victim could get their details swiped or cloned and used for illicit purposes. Another common tactic is stealing mail containing personal information, such as a person's bank statements.
• • Hacking. An individual's computer or phone is accessed by releasing a virus or a trojan horse. This way, the fraudsters are able to access the computer or smartphone and steal personal details.

How To Protect Yourself

You can take steps to ensure you do not fall victim to identity fraud. These include:

• • Password protecting all your devices, including desktops and smartphones.
• • Don't click the links in emails from people you don't know.
• • Never give away your personal information over the telephone.
• • View your credit reports regularly to ensure there are no irregular activities.
• • Protect your personal documents by keeping them somewhere safe in the home. Also, do not leave mail in the mailbox as they are a target for thieves.
• • Do not carry all your documents and bank or credit cards in your wallet. In case of loss or theft, you are minimizing the exposure.

ID Fraud - The Warning Signs

Usually, people will not know straight away if they have become a victim of identity theft. However, there are numerous telltale signs. It will include the following:

• • Bills for goods you did not purchase,
• • Expected mail fails to arrive,
• • Communication from debt collection agencies for goods and services you did not agree to,
• • The denial of loans or other credit facilities,
• • Records on your credit report for services you did notuse.

Reporting Identification Theft

What to do if you fall victim to identity theft? It is important to immediately contact the fraud department at your bank and credit card company. They will be able to freeze the account such that no further transactions can take place.

Luckily most banks and credit card companies will reimburse the fraudulent transactions, and there will be no financial losses. It is advised that you contact the Federal Trade Commission identity theft department, which has a victim assistance program. They will make a recovery plan and assist you in dealing with financial organizations such as credit card companies, banks, and debt recovery agencies.

The Federal Trade Commission can be contacted online or by calling 1-877-438-4338. Be sure to contact the three major credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a credit freeze to prevent anyone from opening an account in your name.

Staying Safe

Identity theft is a crime that has become common in the last few decades, especially with the rise of the Internet. It involves fraudsters using the identification of others to purchase goods and services. But people can take steps to ensure they do not become a victim. This includes protecting all devices with a password and keeping personal information in a safe place.