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Identity Theft As a Growing Epidemic
The accessibility of the internet has opened up the world of
identity theft. In the Information Age, we can get access to any
resources with a few keystrokes or we can talk to a friend halfway
around the world. However, these same resources also make it easier
for you to become a victim of identity theft. Finding personal
information on the internet is almost effortless -- and there are
people who will take advantage of that fact.
It's no joke. This latest wave of crime to hit America has been
compared to violence in its emotional impact on victims and it's
being called "the fastest growing crime in America." So here's the
question: What can the average person do to prevent identity theft?
What can we do to guard against this onslaught, when statistics show
only 1/700 of these thieves gets caught?
The best way to keep yourself from becoming a victim of identity
theft is to guard your personal information. Be wary of emails that
ask for identifying information like social security numbers. Never
give this type of information to anyone, unless you're sure of their
credentials. Here's some other helpful tips to help prevent identity
theft. Never write your PIN number down on the back of your bank
card. Same goes for your social security number. Always remember to
sign your credit card as soon as you get it. Thieves specializing in
identity theft have a much easier time charging up bogus items on a
card that hasn't been signed. It's easier to forge a signature than
you think. It's much harder to run up a tab with a stolen or lost
credit card that's got a name on it.
Another way to prevent identity theft is to choose a hard-to-guess
password. Avoid common passwords like your mother's maiden name or
your date of birth. Many people choose easy-to-remember passwords --
but these passwords are among the first thieves will try to crack.
Think of something that only you'd know. Choosing a good password
shouldn't be rushed; otherwise, you may find yourself a victim of
identity theft.
One simple tool can prevent identity theft: a paper shredder. It's
an invaluable piece of equipment that'll destroy your personal
information and prevent identity theft. Paper shredders are cheap
and easy to find, and they'll tear up any type of personal
information that an identity thief would love to get his hands on.
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