Technology News

August 3, 2006

Source: Digital Home Canada

12 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

# 1 - Guard your personal information

The most important thing to do to prevent identity theft is to be careful about sharing personal information. Only give out the minimum amount of information that is required and if you are asked to provide personal information, then be sure to ask how it will be used, why it is needed, who will be sharing it and how it will be safeguarded.

# 2 - Don’t Leave Personal Information Unattended

When you are out in public or social gatherings be sure to hold onto your purse or wallet or ensure that it is in a secure place. Don’t leave it unattended at work, restaurants, health clubs, in a shopping cart, or at social gatherings.

# 3 - Shred Personal Information

Don’t let dumpster divers get access your information. Be careful what information you throw out. Burn or shred personal financial information such as statements, credit card offers, pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, and insurance forms.

# 4 - Keep your SIN to yourself

Don’t give out your Social Insurance number (SIN), or any bank account details, unless you are dealing with the government, your employer, or your bank directly. Your employer will need your SIN for income tax reporting purposes, and your bank account number for payroll purposes.

# 5 - Protect your Credit Card

North American banks have done an incredible job in protecting consumers from what can happen if your credit card is lost or stolen, however, consumers still have a very important role to play so be sure to heed the following when using your credit card.

Sign all your credit cards as soon as you receive them and never lend them to anyone. Take advantage of technologies that enhance your security and privacy when you use the Internet, such as digital signatures, data encryption, and "anonymizing" services.

Don't give your credit card number on the telephone, by electronic mail, or to a voice mailbox, unless you know the person with whom you're communicating or you initiated the call yourself.

Carefully check each of your monthly credit card and bank statements and look for unauthorized purchases and withdrawals.

Notify creditors immediately if your identification or credit cards are lost or stolen.

# 6 - Take All Receipts

After you have visited a retail store, bank machine, gasoline pump or any place where a receipt or confirmation notice was issued be sure to never leave receipts behind.

If you don’t need the receipt, ensure you destroy the paperwork so that no one behind can take advantage of the information on that piece of paper.

# 7 - Be Aware of Billing Cycles or Missing Mail

In addition to checking monthly credit card and bank statements, pay attention to billing cycles or to a lack of mail being delivered to your address.

If you’re not receiving your statements or bills, don’t assume the issuing company has made an error, it is possible a fraudster is illicitly intercepting the mail.

# 8 - Cover Keypad Entry when entering PIN Numbers

When entering PIN numbers at direct purchase terminals, bank machines, or telephones be sure to cover the keypad to stop shoulder surfers.

If you are in a store where you suspect the debit card machine is comprised, purposely enter the wrong PIN number. If the machine accepts it, then you know its compromised whereas if it forces you to re-enter the PIN number, then it is secure.

# 9 - Use difficult passwords

Choose difficult passwords — not your mother's maiden name or you pets name.

# 10 - Avoid Writing Down Passwords and PINS

Avoid keeping a written record of your bank PIN number(s), social insurance number and computer passwords, and never keep this information in your wallet or hand bag.

If you must write them down, then don’t note clearly write what each number is for and don’t keep in a location that easily accessible.

# 11 - Hang Up on Telephone Solicitors

This is good advice for many reasons, however, avoid mail or telephone solicitations disguised as promotions or surveys offering instant prizes or awards designed for the purpose of obtaining your personal details including credit card numbers.

Never provide personal information such as SIN, date of birth, credit card numbers, or PIN over the telephone unless you have initiated the call. This is true even if you think the company or bank calling is a trusted source. If necessary, hang up and dial back the bank or companies number back. If they’re reputable, they’ll understand.

# 12 - Check your Credit Report

Consider ordering a copy of your credit report from the major credit reporting agencies annually.

Check with the credit bureaus to see whether there is a charge for this service. Make sure your credit report is accurate and includes only those activities that you have authorized.

© 2008 Minerva Enterprises