14 Ways Someone Can Steal Your Identity

More than 12 million Americans were victims of identity theft last year - 1 identity was stolen every 3 seconds! Here are 14 ways thieves will try to steal your identity.

1. As A Baby

Before you're even born you have an identity, and the second you pop out, thieves are looking to steal your squeaky clean background for things like employment benefits and tax fraud.

TIP: Protect your newborn's birth certificate like it's a life, and it's never to early to check their credit history.

2. Sharing P2P Files

Getting free music, movies and files is awesome, but getting your passwords, tax returns and account numbers stolen isn't. P2P networks make personal files available to all. Thieves with the proper tools can steal any personal information they wish.

TIP: Be very careful of what you download, and make sure your computer is updated with the latest anti-virus software. And always use a very strong password.

3. Dumpster Diving

It's not a drunken college activity - it's the easiest way to steal your personal information. Americans receive 4 million pieces of junk mail each year (pre-approved credit cards, bank statements, bills, etc.) and blindly throw them away.

TIP: Shred or burn your trash.

4. Stealing Your Wallet

Your wallet is the Holy Grail of your personal information - driver's license, credit card, home address. More than 20% of identity theft victims were victimized because of a lost or stolen wallet.

TIP: You only need to carry cash and your I.D. on you. Only bring credit cards if you need to, and never walk around with your Social Security Card or Passport unless you absolutely must.

5. Changing Your Mailing Address

Thieves can visit the local post office and fill out a change-of-address form to re-route all your mail, or they can just do it online. Imagine all your bank statements, credit card approvals, phone bills and employment forms in the wrong hands.

TIP: Keep an eye out for any mail from the USPS. When a change-of-address form is filled out, the Postal Service will notify you.

6. Stealing Your Mail

Lazy thieves who don't want to go through the whole change-of-address hoopla can just go through your mail and steal whatever they need.

TIP: Put a lock on your mailbox and place your mail on hold while you travel.

7. Phishing

"As a valued customer, we're sending you on an all-expenses-paid cruise!"

Sometimes thieves don't steal all the info they need so they pose as a trusted source (i.e. your bank), ask you to confirm the info they already stole (building trust, because, who else knows your birthday?) and then they ask for that final piece of info they've been dying for the whole time.

"Just confirm your Social Security number and you'll be on your way to paradise!"

More like paradise lost.

TIP: Hang up and call your bank yourself. If it's a true giveaway, they'll tell you.

8. Vishing

Vishing works the same way as phishing, except instead of emails and phone calls - it's voicemails. The voicemail will usually say there was a "problem" with your ATM card and you need to verify some information. Code for: "We need your info so we can steal all your money."

TIP: Don't blindly call back the number left in the message. Make sure you call YOUR bank. If they need something from you they'll tell you.

9. SMSishing

OK, last "ishing," we promise. SMSishing is, you guessed it, just like phishing and vishing except with text messages. If you get a text saying "Click Here" or "Respond" to WIN something amazing! Don't do it. If you're using a smartphone, that link may be a virus that steals every bit of personal info on your phone.

TIP: Delete these texts and report the number if they keep occurring.

10. ATM Skimmers

An ATM skimmer is a small electronic device thieves place over the card slot of an ATM and it's nearly impossible to notice. Everything works normally, except every time you swipe your card, somebody records your information.

TIP: Always use your bank's ATM. That way you know your complaint will be resolved if you're ever a skimming victim.

11. ATM Overlays

An ATM overlay is a device placed over an ATM card slot or keypad and looks identical to the actual ATM. When you swipe your card or enter your PIN, the ATM will work fine, but the overlay captures your personal information without you even knowing.

TIP: Pay special attention to the keypad and card slot on the ATM you're using. If you notice any possible attachments, you may want to report it.

12. Online Shopping

Online shopping is just like phishing. Identity thieves can make an online store look so real that you'll enter all your information without even blinking. Sometimes they just duplicate legit sites like Amazon and eBay, so...

...TIP: Always check the URL for a security seal and "https" before entering sensitive information. Thieves use tricks like: www.1Amazon.com or www.eBayy.com to fool you. If you see anything suspicious, steer clear and report it.

13. Data Breaches

Your information is everywhere: Banks, schools, social networks, doctor's offices and more. All it takes is one hacker to crack the system and sell your Social Security number on the black market.

TIP: Limit the number of places you enter sensitive information. Always ask why certain information is needed before handing it over - especially at a doctor's office.

14. Shoulder Surfing

Shoulder surfing comes in many forms:

- A customer looking over your shoulder as you pay for groceries

- A fake texter video taping your ATM transaction

- A commuter recording your bank conversation

- A waitress snapping a pic of your credit card

Check out LifeLock Business Solutions for more information about protecting your and your employees identities.