What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft can occur anywhere‚ anytime — even during your everyday activities. In a single moment‚ someone can steal and misuse your personal information‚ and put at risk all the things that make you who you are.
How Someone Can Steal Your Identity
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Your identity
is compromised.Someone — a family member‚ friend, or stranger — gains access to your personal information without your knowledge.
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Your identity
is assumed.That person assumes your identity and attempts to access your financial resources‚ or other benefits in your name.
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Your identity
is used.The person pretending to be you uses your finances or other personal information‚ which puts your achievements‚ assets‚ credit‚ and more at risk.
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You deal with
the damage.Ultimately‚ the imposter may ruin your reputation‚ finances‚ and family‚ leaving you responsible for damages caused by the theft.
Consider yourself pretty safe?
Whether you’re at home or out and about‚ there are several activities you do every day that could put you at risk. Here are some of the most common:
You shop online.
Although most online businesses take measures to ensure your transactions are secure‚ there is always the chance they will experience a data breach. Creating strong login credentials may not be enough to protect your credit card information from prying eyes.
You carry a wallet or purse.
Even in today’s digital work‚ pick pocketing still exists‚ whether you’re traveling abroad or running errands in your own neighborhood. Losing your wallet can create financial headaches you shouldn’t have to deal with.
You visit your doctor’s office.
You may trust your doctor to help you stay healthy‚ but what about the people working behind the check-in desk‚ or the other patients? If the forms you’ve filled out with your Social Security number‚ name, and address aren’t being stored securely‚ it could be putting you at risk.
You receive mail
Have you ever received a prepaid credit card offer or a bill from a company you do business with and simply thrown those items away? You could be putting yourself at risk by making that information available to someone who doesn’t mind digging through your trash to find it.
You use a mobile phone and laptop.
The Internet has provided all of us with the possibility of immediately connecting with the people and businesses in our lives‚ no matter where we are. And while we may feel secure when we’re browsing the Web through a Wi-Fi connection at our local coffee shop‚ the truth is there’s always a good chance we may not be.
You visit banks and ATMs
Do you look over your shoulder or shield the keypad when you punch in your PIN? Do you double-check to make sure the keypad you’re using is the same one that’s always been there‚ and not one a scammer is using to gain access to your account? Think about the financial damage that could be done if you’re not paying attention.
There’s no reason to leave yourself vulnerable to identity theft when you can continue to enjoy life on your own terms, knowing Identity Guard® is looking out for you as your trusted partner in identity protection.
