5 Things Identity Thieves Don't Want You to Know

Identity thieves don’t want you to read this article.

They’ve made an entire industry out of living off of other peoples’ good names. And when you know their typical tricks, stealing your identity is much harder.

Unfortunately, not enough people know what puts their identities at risk for theft. And that has helped keep identity theft the No. 1 consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission for 15 years running. Do you like the idea of thieves using your name to make money and cause you financial headaches? Of course not. So take a minute to make sure you’re aware of five foolish behaviors that identity thieves love and how to fix them.

1. You Hand-Deliver Valuable Personal Information

To identity thieves, your trash can and recycling bin are seen as an “inbox.” They appreciate when you toss out anything with personally identifying information — especially credit card offers, bank statements, insurance-related materials, and medical statements or records.

The fix:

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Buy a quality crosscut shredder and give identity thieves an impossible puzzle to solve.
Shred everything with your name and any other important information on it before throwing it out (thieves will move on to easier targets).

2. You Leave Virtual Doors Open

There are entire organizations dedicated to computer hacking and scams. So if you’re using a simple password or not employing the right security measures on your computers, smartphones and tablet devices, your information is at a much greater risk. It’s like leaving a door open with money sitting on a table just inside.

The fix:

Be sure to use security software that includes a firewall, antivirus and spyware programs, and regularly update them.
Set your devices to automatically install security updates from manufacturers.
Use strong passwords that contain a mix of eight or more numbers, symbols and upper and lowercase letters. Don’t use anything obvious, such as your child’s or pet’s name. Also be sure to change passwords often, and use unique passwords for important sites.

3. You Provide Ready Access to IDs & Documents

Your house and office have a treasure trove of documents with identifying information and important IDs, including passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates and much more. If they’re not locked up, anyone with access to your house could take a quick smartphone picture or even grab them.

The fix:

Put important IDs and files into secure drawers, closets or safes.
Keep them locked away when you’re not using them.

4. You’ve Never Visited AnnualCreditReport.com

Your credit reports include any credit- or loan-related accounts that are opened in your name. Even if you don’t need to apply for credit or a home or car loan, it’s important to ensure that your credit is clean and your credit score is as high as possible for when you do need it.

The fix:

Regularly review your credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies — TransUnion, Experian and Equifax — and immediately report any suspicious accounts or activity.
Go to annualcreditreport.com for one free annual, government-mandated credit report from each agency.
Monitor your credit scores for signs of identity theft (you can check your credit scores for free every month on Credit.com).

5. You Don’t Guard Your Social Security Number

A Social Security number is like a master key. Once identity thieves have it, along with a few other personal details, they can establish credit or potentially gain access to your existing accounts. That’s why you want to limit how and where you share your Social Security number.

The fix:

Don’t carry your Social Security card or number in your wallet or purse.
Never give your SSN to someone you don’t trust.
Provide your SSN only when it’s required.
Avoid using your SSN as an identifier (if a company or medical provider wants to do this, ask them not to).

By taking these steps, you can rest more easily knowing you’re not an easy target for identity theft.