Protecting Your Privacy is Critical
The best defense against identity theft is protecting your private information. Without access to your private information it is impossible for identity thieves to gain access to the information necessary to steal your identity. It is important not to share any information about yourself unnecessarily. You can work to lock down your privacy because of all of the complexities with protecting your privacy you may want to consider looking at identity theft and protection products to help you remain diligent in protecting your privacy. As a consumer it is important that you take the right steps to safe guard all aspects of your identity which means securing all of your private information. Track and be aware of what companies you are providing your private information to. Be sure to understand what business are doing with your personal information and ask them how they are protecting your information (you have a right to know!). Maintaining all aspects of your private is a challenging endeavor, leverage all tools possible to protect all of your private information.
Information To Help You Protect Your Privacy
- Make sure you register all of your phone numbers with the national do not call registry.
- Make sure your social security number is secure - never carry your social security number in your wallet or purse. This can be harder than you think because many different companies and government agencies use this as your customer number. Contact them and ask them to change it. Even many government agencies have options for alternate ids they can provide you.
- Shred all of your documents containing your personally identifiable information. Get a micro or confetti type shredder for the highest level of protection.
- Much of the mail you receive everyday contains important details about your life that identity thieves would love to get a hold of. Use a locking mailbox, PO Box or quickly collect your mail everyday to help protect your privacy.
- Don't forget when getting rid of old computers to make sure you erase everything on them. Use a free tool like ERASER to make sure all of your data is properly removed before you give away or sell a computer.
- When on-line make sure web sites which should be secure, are secure. Be vigilant about your on-line security and protect your email address and personal information. Be very careful of social networking sites as a lot of personal information can be quickly gathered quickly and used to steal your identity
- Know your surroundings - always be careful of what information your provide about yourself in public places. When on your cell phone look around and see who is listening before revealing any personal information. Be aware of where you are and that public places are a haven where identity thieves can learn a lot of information about you quickly