Technology betrays us too!
Beware of the thefts
Identity theft is a serious crime that affects millions of people every year. It’s also a growing problem. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft victims lost $16 billion in 2013 alone. If you’re worried about becoming a victim of identity theft, there are several steps you can take to prevent it.
Why does Identity theft occur?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information (your name, address, Social Security number, or credit card numbers) without your permission to commit fraud. It may also involve using your identity to obtain employment, loans, or insurance.
How to protect your identity when buying a product online?
The first step to protecting yourself against identity theft is knowing what happens after you buy something online. Here’s how:
1. Check out PayPal and other payment methods before making an order. If possible, use only one form at a time, so if anything goes wrong, you have another way to get back into your account.
2. Use strong passwords for all accounts to keep sensitive data such as bank accounts, social security numbers, etc. You should never share these details with anyone else.
3. Never give out any financial information over email. You know who you are dealing with. This includes giving out your full banking info like routing numbers, checking account balances, etc.
4. Be careful not to post too much information on Facebook or Twitter. These sites make it easy for others to steal your identity by looking up your profile.
5. Keep track of everything you purchase online.
6. Don’t click links sent via text messages or emails. Emails could contain viruses that will infect your computer.
7. When shopping online, always check the URL bar to ensure you are going to the correct website. For example, instead of typing www.amazon.com, type amazon.com. The extra “www” makes it easier for hackers to intercept your connection.
8. Always log off websites once you’ve finished browsing them. Hackers often wait until they think no one is watching their screen, then access your private files.
9. Do not download software or programs from unknown sources. Many times this means downloading free apps from Google Play Store or Apple App store. However, some malicious applications masquerade themselves as legitimate ones.
10. Avoid clicking on ads while surfing the web. Some pop-ups ask for your password or login credentials. Others try to trick you into installing malware onto your device.
11. Do not respond to spam emails to verify your account or provide additional information. Spammers often send fake invoices or requests for money to
12. Don’t click to through trick links users sent into via providing text their messages private or information.
13. The Watch could out contain malware phishing which scams. Will allow hackers access to your computer.
14. Always check your statements carefully. Look for suspicious activity and report any fraudulent charges immediately.
15. When shopping online, always look for secure websites. Also, look for padlock icons in the browser window. A locked icon means the site is encrypted and safe.
16. Avoid clicking on ads while browsing the web. Hackers often place malicious code in them to infect computers with viruses.
17. Do not open attachments received from unknown sources. Malware disguised as legitimate documents might try to trick you into opening them.
18. Watch out for phishing scams. Phishers send fake emails to users to enter their login credentials.
What steps should I take if I suspect someone has stolen my identity?
If you think someone has stolen your identity, you need to contact the police immediately. The first step is to file a police report, which will help you determine whether your identity was stolen. Next, you need to cancel all of your credit cards and close any open lines of credit. Finally, it would be best if you changed your passwords for all of your online accounts.
Should I change my passwords after shopping online?
If you use the same password for multiple websites, then you should change them. Using the same password across various sites leaves your data open to hackers, who can steal your identity and cause damage to your reputation.
What should be in my Wallet to avoid identity theft?
A wallet is a small bag used for carrying money, cards, identification, etc. When traveling, you need to take only the cash you need for your trip, but some people keep large amounts of money in their wallets. This makes them vulnerable to thieves who may steal the entire contents of the Wallet. To protect yourself from identity theft, you should never carry more than $10,000 in cash at any one time. If you do, you risk having your bank account drained by criminals.
What should my credit report look like?
Your credit report should show that you have paid off all debts and have no late payments. If you do not have any obligation, you should also show that you have been making regular monthly payments on all loans.
Conclusion
Beware of all the selected options. Do not step into anything without knowing it completely. Online shopping is art when understood well.