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6 Ways to Have Your Identity Stolen

by: JedJenson
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Research shows that 10 million individuals will become a victim of identity theft this year. Chances are you too will become a victim of identity theft unless you are aware of the ways your identity can be stolen. Once you know how your identity can be stolen, you will be able to defend yourself against becoming a victim. Therefore, your first line of defense is knowing a thief's offense. The following are six ways you your identity can be stolen.

One way your identity can be stolen is through a lost or stolen wallet. Once thieves have your personal information from a driver's license, social security card or other identifying information from your wallet, they can open credit card and utility accounts in your name. They can also charge large amounts of merchandise on your credit cards. Thieves may also use your identity when dealing with the government to obtain public services, get a driver's license or official ID card issued in your name, but with their picture, or even give out your personal information when arrested. Some thieves have even been known to use someone else's identity when applying for jobs in order to use their background to pass criminal screenings.

The second way your identity can be stolen is by becoming too comfortable with your day to day happenings. When you become routine in your schedule, you tend to let your guard down and fail to protect your personal information, especially your financial information that is on paper. Identity theft crimes are more likely to be perpetrated by someone you know or with whom you feel comfortable. For example, if you employ someone who works within your home, you will need to be sure that your personal papers are in a secure location within your home. Also, be aware of those cashiers who process your credit cards for you. Untrustworthy clerks can duplicate your credit card receipt or use a special device to capture your data.

Another way thieves can access your personal information is by scouring dumpsters or trash cans and to find receipts from financial institutions or pre-approved credit card applications. Thieves then use this information to create counterfeit checks or open credit card accounts in your name. Mailboxes are also locations where thieves can steal checks, bank statements and other financial documents before you ever know they are missing. Monitoring your incoming and outgoing paper mail and shredding all financial documents before trashing them is crucial to protecting your identity.

The fourth way thieves steal your identity is through telephone phishing scams. Pretexters call and pretend to be an employee of a popular company, such as Target, and proceed to tell you that there is a problem with your payment. Who wouldn't be inclined to answer questions regarding financial information if they shop at Target and receive this sort of call? Furthermore, it is crucial that you are careful about what you tell others about yourself when on social websites or employment websites.

The fifth way thieves steal your identity is by watching your actions at ATM's. Thieves are literally looking over your shoulder and stealing your information. You should always be aware of your surroundings when using automated teller machines. Thieves look to see what numbers you type in when entering your pin. They then follow you, wait for a chance to get your ATM receipt, and then gain access to your bank account.

The final way to have your identity stolen is to, quite simply, fail to put protective measures in place to keep thieves from gaining access to your personal information. It doesn't matter whether you purchase identity theft protection services or put your own steps in place to protect your identity, the fact that you are not protected will leave you susceptible to having your identity stolen.

Knowing a thief's offense is by far the best defense in protecting your identity. Knowing how your identity can be stolen is the first step to guard against one of the 10 million individuals who will have their identity stolen this year. It is important to become aware of how thieves can access your personal information and so you can put protective measures in place.

About the Author

Jed Jenson covers identity theft services. To see other identity theft service reviews, read on.

6 Ways to Have Your Identity Stolen

About the Author

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