Unfortunately, identity theft is a harsh reality for many in today’s world. With so much information available online, it’s easier than ever for thieves to access your personal data. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent identity theft.
-Never give out your personal information unless you are sure you can trust the person or organization. Keep your personal information safe. Only give out this information when necessary, and make sure you’re doing so with a trusted company or individual.
-Make sure your computer has up-to-date security software, and a secure VPN, to protect against hackers.
-Shred any documents that contain sensitive information before disposing of them, regularly check your banking statements for any suspicious activity. Reviewing your credit report regularly can help you catch any suspicious activity. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
-Use multi factor authentication on apps that collect your personal data, as they are notorious for having high scam and hacker rates.
-Be cautious about phishing scams. They can present anywhere from fraudulent emails, phone calls or text messages that pose as legitimate businesses to try and collect your personal information. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between legitimate and illegitimate notifications. If you feel suspicious, contact the company’s customer service centre first, so they can verify the message.
By following these simple steps, you can help to prevent identity theft and protect yourself and your client’s trusted personal information from potential harm.
