Your personal information is a valuable commodity. It’s not only the key to your financial identity, but also to your online identity. Knowing how to protect your information — and your identity — is a must in the 21st century. Here are some tips to doing it effectively.
Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information.
Protect your SSN. Don't carry your SSN card in your wallet or write your SSN on a check.
Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails.
Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, mother's maiden name, or last four digits of your SSN.