Learn Identity Theft Basics from the Pros

Identity theft is a legitimate crime that you need to take seriously or you could end up in serious financial trouble. We are going to provide you with what we feel is the most important identity theft basics cover but you need to be constantly vigilant in these challenging times. Individuals who are victims of identity theft will be forced to spend a considerable amount of time, money and may never recover from it so let’s look at some of the most common tactics used by these thieves.

Identity Theft Basics

Tactics Thieves Use

These are some of the tactics being used. We have put them in point format to make it easier for you.

Shoulder-Surfers

Whenever you go to an ATM machine look behind you for individuals that are in line. While lineups at ATM’s are common there are some criminals who lineup and try to look over your shoulder or for a reflection in the window to get your PIN number. If they do get your PIN then one of their “associates” will pick your pocket to get your ATM card!

Fishy Phishers

There are individuals who send out mass Emails with links that appear to be from your bank. These Emails ask you to quickly log into your account to address a pressing matter. When you click the link and try to log-in to the fake website the criminals will have your personal details. You won’t be aware of this because the website will just say something like “server time out” or another benign looking status.

Wi-Fi Trolls

Whenever you use Wi-Fi at a hotspot you should find out whether it is secured or open to the public. If you access the Internet through one of these unsecured Wi-Fi connections there are “Wi-Fi trolls” that could try to gain access to your computer. Once these individuals are inside your computer they will look for cookies that store your password and other sensitive information so this is something you need to be aware of whenever you are grabbing coffee with friends. This rule applies to your smartphones to which are also vulnerable.

Smart hackers

There are some criminals who simply guess your password and get access to your computer and PIN. Try to use passwords and PINs that are complicated that it would be virtually impossible to guess.  Never tell anyone this password or store it on your computer.

Smartphone Hackers & Jackers

The majority of us couldn’t live without our smartphones but these devices are susceptible to hacker attacks and there is not much protection available for these smartphones so you need to take extra steps. Use a password lock and activate it. Use a different password for each of your applications including the password to unlock your smartphone. If criminals steal your smartphone and it is not password protected they will know everything about you including where you live so take this very seriously!

Deceptive Text Messages

Criminals will send you a text message claiming they are from a bank or financial institution and ask you to confirm your bank account information or details. If you respond to this text message they will gain access to your bank account and help themselves to all of your money.

Fight Back Identity Theft

We have reviewed some of the ploys these criminals use, now let’s look at how you can fight back.

Keep your private information private

With social media sites like Facebook and Twitter criminals can harvest a tremendous amount of personal information. Details like your date of birth, home address and where you work may seem benign but this is all criminals need to steal your identity so if there was a holy trinity in identity theft basics this would be rule number one, keep all of your personal information private by never posting it online or anywhere else.

Stop People from Mooching Your Wireless Internet Connection

If you are using a wireless router for your Internet make sure it has password encryption enabled to keep neighbors from mooching your connection. Another reason you should protect your wireless Internet is to keep nosey identity thieves out of your home. If these individuals can access your wireless Internet router they can access your computer and help themselves to all of your personal information.

Shred

Try to shred everything before you throw it out and check your credit report often and look for any suspicious activity on the report. If you notice anything that is suspicious you should take immediate action before these criminals steal your identity and the money behind it.

Conclusion

These identify theft basics will help keep you safe but the criminals are always trying to come up with new tactics to steal your personal information so always think before you give out any personal information and if something doesn’t feel right you should trust your instincts. We live in dangerous times but following these tips will help you have peace of mind.