Identity theft occurs when a person with hidden motives obtain
an identification of another individual and uses it as it if it’s
his own without proper authorization. The main goal here is financial
gain. Apart from hacking passwords and personal identification
numbers (PIN) via credit cards used during online transactions,
identity theft can also be done through telephone tapping and
listening to conversations.
Credit card
holders should be responsible enough in using their cards to
prevent leakage of vital personal information. A good way to
start is by getting a copy of your credit report and checking
for accounts that you may not own. Accounts unaware to you but
included in your credit report is the first sign that may have
been victimized by identity thieves.
Online identity
theft can drain out the savings you have long accumulated through
hard work. It can also adversely affect your credit history
which can take you many years to repair. When doing online transactions,
it’s best that you know and trust the person you’re
dealing with considering that you’ll be providing vital
information from your social security numbers, bank account
numbers, credit card numbers and other personal information.
Experts
advise that frequent web users should use a separate credit
card just for the purpose of transacting business online. Also,
if you’re one who regularly receives junk letters in your
mailbox saying you have been approved for a new credit card,
don’t just throw them right away in the trash. Always make
it a point to rip them up in pieces or invest in a shredder.
It’s important to note that there have been many cases
of identity theft that occurred after the thief looked through
the garbage for pre-approval letters and opened an account using
another person’s name.
It’s
also best to bring your mail directly to the post office. Leaving
your important letters especially those containing check payment
for bills may make you vulnerable to identity theft.
What your
parents told you as a kid to “never trust strangers”
still applies here. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when
you are being asked for your personal information.
Develop
the habit of keeping your credit cards, licenses, checkbooks
and other important documents in a safe and locked area especially
when you’re away from home.
Should you
lose your credit card, report it immediately to the company’s
customer service department.
Be wary
of swindlers who may victimize you by saying you’ve won
a certain amount or prize from a contest but need your personal
information first. Remember that if you haven’t joined
a contest such as a lottery or sweepstakes, why would you ever
win?
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Identity
theft is indeed a reality today. Anyone using a credit card or doing financial
transactions online can become a victim to this fastest growing criminal
offense. But as in any challenging situation we are faced with, there
are ways which we can do to avoid being victimized by fraudulent acts.
