Identity Theft

Online Identity Theft - Ways to Protect Yourself by Eric Hartwell

There are so many ways that you can fall victim of identity theft that it may seem impossible to avoid. Criminals, including online scammers, are multiplying their efforts to steal your identity and your important personal data. If you have any sort of online presence then you will already have been targeted. Yes, already.

How does this happen? Sometimes it can be difficult to know why you have become a victim. You may think that you are being safe when you are online. But, possibly, you are not. The vast majority of computer users make simple mistakes which lay them open to identity crime

How to avoid (or minimise) identity theft

The increase in internet broadband connections and, in particular, wireless connections, has led to an increase in personal productivity and enjoyment at the expense of security. Internet fraudsters know how to target insecure networks. They also know that the increased numbers of internet numbers means that their chances of becoming successful is improving all the time.

You may not be able to stop identity theft or identity crime, but you can minimise it. Consider the following:

1. Always ensure that your internet connection is secure. Wireless connections are now commonplace but criminals can hack in to an insecure wireless network and steal your data. Sophisticated and determined criminals employ people to seek out these insecure connections. It is a simple matter to make your own connection secure - find out how to do it and get it sorted right away.

2. Always be aware of any e-mail that you are not expecting. Internet scammers will try to get your personal information, especially your financial data, by sending fake e-mails to you. They wish you to reply to the e-mail with your bank details or other personal information. Never give her such as this via e-mail without ensuring that the e-mail is from a trusted source.

3. Never give anybody your personal password or personal identification number (PIN). Reputable banks, credit card companies or other institutions will never ask you for this information. If internet criminals have access to this data they will be able to get into your personal financial bank and credit accounts and steal your money.

4. If you are at all suspicious of any approach to you for your personal data or other details about your identity always ask the person to give you their own details so that you can contact them back. Identity fraud, identity crime and identity theft can occur both online and offline and you should be wary of other people contacting you either on the telephone or even at your door. Where possible ask for the identity of the person that is contacting you and you can even phone or e-mail them back when you have checked that they are a trusted source.

Be wary of any e-mails you may receive that appear to come from your bank or other financial institution. Internet fraudsters have sophisticated ways of making their communications to you look as though they have come from your own financial company. They will use the same logos, the same text and font, the same manner of speaking and even lure you are into thinking that they are trusted by writing details of their privacy and security methods.

For further information and resources on identity theft, internet crime and online security go to the New Identity Theft website operated by Eric Hartwell.

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