Identity fraud has continuously grown and is now considered as the fastest growing crime in America. It has taken many forms like identity cloning, commercial or business identity theft, financial, and criminal identity theft. It occurs when someone without authority uses the personal information of another person for the benefit of illegal activities like illegal immigration, espionage and other activities prohibited by law.
Simple ways to prevent Identity fraud
1. It is purely common sense but is such an important reminder to make sure that all paper documents should be thrown out in the garbage in a very secure manner. This way important and confidential personal information contained in these documents won't serve as a temptation for Id thieves.
2. It is essential that you should be defensive when someone asks for your personal information like details about your Social Security Number. Ensure that you are reminded of the privacy policy of any company asking for this information and that they are honest enough not to share your information with anybody else.
3. Never carry important documents and ID's unless you need to use it. Losing these essential documents and identification cards makes you an easy target for Id theft.
4. Monitor when your bank and credit card statements are delivered. This should be on or near the same date every month. Go through every credit transaction and ensure that all are the definite goods and services that you have obtained.
An id theft victim should first contact the three major credit bureaus to report the matter and request a fraud alert on his/her account, followed by a police report regarding the ID theft activity. Remember to keep a copy of the police report.
There is indeed no guarantee of iron clad protection when it comes to privacy of your personal information. However, precaution is the name of the game when it comes to avoiding ID Theft.
Don't fall prey to id theft criminals. Find out more about protecting yourself against id fraud. If you're a victim make sure you're reporting identity theft in the right manner.
