identity theft is a growing epidemic in the security world, with the Internet moving it along faster than ever. Having your identity stolen can be financially and emotionally devastating. It can take years to overcome and sometimes there is no full recovery. It could create havoc with your financial portfolio. Imagine applying for a mortgage and learning that someone has already secured a mortgage in your name. Taking the proper identity theft prevention methods can help stop you from falling victim.
Unsolicited Email Can be Dangerous
Obviously, the internet, computers, and smartphones significantly increase the options for thieves to steal your identity. Hackers find new and ingenious ways to steal personal information every day, and the growing instances of data breaches of large institutions’ databases puts sensitive information at risk on a global scale.
Online scammers use numerous tactics to steal identities, including posing as trusted websites to obtain private information they use to open bank accounts, obtain credit, apply for loans, get driver’s licenses, and even use your health insurance, to name a few.
Take Control and Protect Yourself
Identity theft is challenging but there are things you can do to protect yourself. This will limit your exposure and although you cannot protect yourself completely, you can feel some comfort in knowing that the common target points can be covered. Here are a few types of identity theft tactics to watch out for, and what you can do to prevent identity theft from happening to you:
There’s no doubt that you’ve been the target of a phishing scheme. Almost everyone has received an email from a Prince in Nigeria needing help recovering his vast fortune through a bank transfer. Let’s say an identity thief sends an email from an official-looking company and asks you to click on a link to update personal information. This is phishing. The website you are sent to appears identical to the real company’s site, making you feel comfortable about providing your information. Remember that your bank, credit card company, and other reputable organizations will never ask you to update personal data online.
And be sure to install updates on your computer and don’t forget to stay current with the latest ant-virus software. If a thief can easily guess your passwords based on some online information about you, you can be in real trouble. Obviously, you should change your password now and then. And you should use some challenging passwords. And keep your private data off of social networking sites.
There are Insurance Options to Protect You
You can also take additional steps to protect yourself in the form of a rider on your home insurance policy. You can purchase a rider on your existing home insurance policy to include identity theft and financial loss insurance. This insurance has been created to protect you against the potential risks associated with identity theft.
We offer the only Calgary Home Insurance policy that can be really tailored to your needs. Get a quote and buy a policy online or by phone. Or Visit our Calgary Home Insurance video.
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