Identity Theft Protection – 28 Ways They Can Get Hold of Your Information

The absolute best protection against identity theft is to know when you are putting your identity at risk. After all it it is not only your identity that you are risking. Maybe you, or even your friends are an unwitting cyber security terrorist.
I know this sounds crazy but it is the average computer user is making it easy for the hackers to steal identities. Here are some obvious places, or maybe not so obvious, where a hacker can get your information and use it against you.

Identity Theft Protection Tips

1. Hacking directly into your computer network and grabbing your banking passwords. This is why we all need to improve our network security so we can stop the hackers at the door.
2. Hacking into the actual bank you use online. This can be a lot harder, but not if they have the bank staff to help them.
3. Phishing – when a scammer sends an e-mail that appears to come from your bank or another legitimate company, asking you for personal information such as your credit card or Social Security number. cc licensed flickr photo shared by CarbonNYC
4. Through viruses and malware that infect your computer. Sometimes viruses do not kill your computer, but simply and quietly record all the information you type in. See how to protect your computer from viruses. A lot of this protection comes down to common sense.
5. Bank and credit card statements. Many people I know simply throw their bank statements into their rubbish bin. These statements have your name, address, account number, and even how much money you have in the bank. If someone rang up your house and asked for this information you would not give it to them, so why are you leaving it in a rubbish bin where they can easily take it.
6. Restaurants and bars where you swipe your credit and debit cards. You should NEVER let your card out of your eyesight. Everyone has heard of restaurant staff taking your credit card under the counter and swiping it through another machine. They can also put through more than one transaction and you would be none the wiser until you see your bank statements.
7. Department stores let you sign up for competitions and clubs and even store credit cards. This information is readily available to the staff at the department store as well. In these situations there is no confidentiality clause saying they cannot share your information.
8. ATM machines. Be aware when you are using an ATM machine because hackers install extra cameras to analyse your card and watch the numbers you are typing in. Someone could even be standing behind you so make sure you look around before typing your pin number in.
9. Dumpster diving. no this is not a new sport, it is when someone jumps into a garbage bin or dumpster to retrieve personal information for usual criminal activities. One guy actually dived into a bank dumpster and hit the jackpot. So it is not always your fault when someone steals your identity.
10. Data breach from an elementary, middle or high school or university via stolen laptops.
11. Doctor’s offices or medical insurance companies where your Social Security number may be stored or used as a policy number.
12. Your kids’ immunization records. Children’s Social Security numbers are especially valuable for identity theft, as parents and children might not realise that it has been stolen for years to come.
13. Hospital where you gave birth since the application for your new baby’s Social Security number is filled out at the hospital.
14. County Recorder’s office where your house deed is registered and recorded.
15. County Municipal Hall where you file and get the official marriage certificate, birth certificate, and death certificate. These certificates have your entire family’s address, SSN, DOB, DOD, telephone number and other personal details.
16. Car dealerships where you bought your present and past cars. They usually attach your latest credit report and score to your purchase document.
17. Social Security Administration and letters they send out.
18. Veterans Administration, its affiliates and hospitals. They not only have information on military personnel but also on the families and beneficiaries of the veterans.
19. Previous Employers – They have your SSN, your past and present names (aka maiden name), past and future addresses, your old W2s, 401K and beneficiary forms, etc. You might have left the job on bad terms which will make other employees share your information more readily.
20. Frequent flyer clubs. Everyone I know joins these clubs and they have all of your information for free. Some companies also state that they will be sharing your details with other companies so take note of what you are signing up for.
21. Grocery store clubs. Grocery stores have low paid employees that might be tempted to share customer information for a price. Not saying that this will happen just because the wages are low, but thieves depend on this kind of thing.
22. Library cards.
23. Pay day check cashing outlets. These services get every detail they can to ensure you are going I got a to pay the money back.
24. Sports associations.
25. Passport centers. They have a recent photo of you along with all of your important information.
26. Human Resource departments of companies where you’ve applied for employment. Just think, your resume has a lot of juicy details on it and the best thing to do would be to request that you get that document back in your possession. Source: Family Secure
27. Facebook! People share far too much information on social media and Facebook is the worst! Identity theft is easy on Facebook as a hacker can see your every move if you let them. See tips to protect your Facebook account.
28. Competitions both online and offline. The main aim of most competitions is to gather information and sometimes the prizes are so tempting, people forget that they are sharing personal information.
29. Sharing Online. People think that they can share anything online and the internet is so big, no one will ever find it. Not true. A simple search in Google can reveal some information that will help steal an identity.