1. Get a locking mailbox.
Almost six in ten (59%) Americans do not regularly lock their mailbox. Even those annoying and unwanted credit card offers and catalogs can help an ID thief.
2. Use a shredder.
More than one in five (21%) Americans say they never shred any of their personal documents that could be used to steal their identity.
And experts recommend a "cross-cut" or "micro" shredder, not your cat.
3. Don't leave valuables in the car - especially at the zoo.
Over half (54%) of Americans 18-49 have left at least one personal item in their car (ie purse, wallet, laptop) that could be used to steal their identity. Con artist Alice loved to target zoos – or anyplace she knew there would likely be tourists.
4. Set up online access to your bank and credit card accounts.
If you don't have control of your online accounts, a scammer can easily take over. Alice did just that to a victim, who was unable to prove her identity to her own bank and private accounts.
5. Password protect your smartphone.
6. Update ALL your passwords.
7. Check your credit reports.
Over half (52%) of Americans do not check their free credit reports annually. Identity thief Alice would immediately open accounts with the three major bureaus, taking complete control of her victim’s online identity. Frank Underwood would probably do the same.
Visit the Fraud Watch Network to learn more about how to protect yourself from scams.
*not her real name
Share This Article
