Prevent Identity Theft

In 2003 over 14 million Americans were victimized by scammers. A few years later, identity theft has turned into a much bigger problem. Yes compared to 2003, today, more and more people are being victimized by others who steal people's identities for a living.

Almost anyone is vulnerable to identity theft. Scammers have bilked people for up to $4 billion dollars by stealing personal information.

How do you prevent yourself from being a victim of identity theft? Here are a few tips:

Tip 1: Never Share Information

Do not share your personal information such as your address, your full name, your age and your birth date with people you do not know. Do not share your credit card number or your PIN to other people as well. Whatever mode of communication these scammers use, whether it's through messenger, email or over the phone, please do not believe them. Most of the time, they are not telling you the truth.

Tip 2: Think

If you suddenly won an online lottery you never really participated in, then you probably are being contacted by scammers. Most of the time, these people try to get your vital information by telling you that you need to provide credit card details or bank details so they can send you the money you won.

Tip 3: Beware of Nigerians

This is not a case of discrimination. If you think Nigerians can't dupe you because they're in Nigeria, think again. Nigerians are well known for their elaborate scams. They are usually the ones who send you messages that you won the lottery and by the time they have your information, they'd be using your credit card to make purchases online, get your money or use it for other scams. Their English is not very good and their syntax is rather different. Try to be more observant every time you receive an email or an instant message.

Tip 4: Beware of Phone Calls

Identity theft can happen on a regular phone call but most of the time Nigerian scammers use the relay service to call your home. The relay service is a US based phone call service for deaf people, it is provided for them by the government so that they are able to make regular phone calls through an interpreter. Some Nigerian scammers are able to find phone numbers to make direct calls to individuals.

They usually pretend that they are deaf and want to buy a puppy or whatever merchandise. They may get your phone number online. Even if the interpreter knows that she is facilitating a scam call, interpreters are not allowed to meddle with the calls due to FTC policies. So if you get a phone call from a supposed "deaf" person who asks you for your vital information, do not entertain the call. They will call you back but remember that the interpreter or the operator is not involved in this.

Tip 5: Shred, Shred, Shred

Shred certain items such as credit card bills you've already paid for. People can get your vital information from your trash or vital information in your computer. People may call the bank and pretend to be you and may even get to transfer money from your account to theirs.


Copyright (c) 2009 Sherry Tingley