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Criminal identity theft is the most damaging type of identity theft one can face.
Since all identify thefts are a crime, the name can be a little misleading. But according to the California Attorney General’s Office, criminal identity theft is when someone uses another person’s name and other identity-related information so that their criminal actions are created in that person’s name.
Hence, you’re a victim of criminal identity theft when someone commits a crime while pretending to be you. If the crime is not timely discovered, you may need to face the charges for that person’s illegal actions. Let’s find out how to avoid criminal identity theft:
Keep Your SSN Safe and Hidden
The most common way criminals are able to evade charges and leave you responsible for the legal repercussions of their actions is by stealing your Social Security Number and presenting it to law enforcement personnel upon arrest. In other words, SSNs are often the entry point for criminal identity theft. Therefore, it’s advised that you shouldn’t carry your SSN in your purse or wallet. More importantly, stay cautious about people asking for your SSN, both in-person and via the internet. Question them for their request.
Safeguard Your Other Personal Identifying Information
While SSNs are usually the main source of criminal identity theft, the offense can also be committed using other sources of personal data. These include your passport, driver’s license, voter registration card, birth certificate, and alien registration card. Certain offenders are so expert that they’ll fetch your personal identifying information from your retirement accounts, bank and brokerage accounts, or credit card numbers.
Follow these steps to safeguard your personal identity information to avoid criminal identity theft:
- Don’t ever hesitate to question why someone requires your personal information.
- Limit the personal information on your checks to your name and address.
- Be extra vigilant about with whom you’re sharing your confidential information, such as date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, etc.
- Carry minimal personal identity information with you.
- Close the credit card accounts you no longer use.
- Always protect your PINS and passwords.
- Remove blank checks, deposit slips, and other sensitive information that you no longer use from your purse or wallet.
- After making purchases, make sure that you’re returned your own credit card rather than someone else’s.
- Don’t leave items carrying your personal information in your vehicle. These might include your wallet, laptop, vehicle registration, insurance card, and so on.
Implement Robust Computer and Internet Safety Measures
While your internet-equipped computer keeps you connected with the rest of the world, it also makes you vulnerable to organized criminal identity theft groups that are continually trying to load spyware, botnets, malware, and Trojan horses on insecure systems. These are digital hazards that send out saved computer files and keystrokes to suspects. This allows them to steal your personal information, which in turn can be used for criminal identity theft.
Taking the following steps should help you protect your system from data breaches and other types of cybercrimes:
- Use websites that are secure.
- Make sure that your system has current operating system software as well as sufficient firewall protection. Besides, be sure to install the latest antispyware and antivirus software.
- For protection against offenders who often drive around businesses and residential areas to track and exploit insecure wireless networks, encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
- Keep your computer password-protected at all times. This means that the system should require a password not just when you switch it on but also when you return after leaving it on for a while.
- Use powerful passwords to deny unauthorized access. Avoid using names, phrases, words that can be easily related to you. Try to set up a long password of 14 characters or more. Don’t create a password that’s smaller than 8 characters in length.
- Beware of phishing scams. These are unsolicited emails requesting financial or personal information. Such emails typically comprise of a link directing the recipient to a fake website, where they’re told to enter their personal information.
- Keep in mind that legitimate requests for sensitive information aren’t usually undertaken via email. Hence, even if you receive an email from your financial institution asking for personal or banking information for updating purposes, don’t respond. Get in touch with your bank to verify the request and provide the requested information either in-person or on the telephone.
- Don’t ever download questionable software or ‘allow’ pop-ups from unreliable webpages or open unknown attachments in emails. If you fall for that free application, software, or music file and agree to download it, spyware can be installed on your system.
- Unless you trust a website 100% and it promises a secure transaction, don’t enter your debit or credit card information on any site.
Avoid Sharing Your Information With Brands
In today’s information age, it’s no wonder that customers’ personal information is frequently shared with numerous brands for promotional purposes. When you surf the internet for products or services, don’t give out your personal information to every other online shopping site you find. In fact, don’t even use your real name and email address when only signing up. To be on the safe side, don’t accept cookies on a site you’re visiting for the first time.
Conclusion
To sum it up, criminal identity theft is the most terrible and outrageous nuisance one can face. The problem has become more prevalent with the explosion of the internet and eCommerce. Imagine what it would be like to be arrested by police for a grave felony, and no one is ready to trust you or even hear what you have to say. In most cases, the victim doesn’t even know where and how their identity is being used. That’s why it is important to understand and learn how to avoid criminal identity theft. Following the above-explained tips should safeguard you from heinous crime.
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