Avoiding Identity Theft

There's no need to live in fear of identity theft. Having looked at the main methods that criminals use to get their information, you may have been surprised to see just how unsophisticated many of these are.

Forewarned is forearmed and, now that you have knowledge of the exact ways in which the criminals obtain your information there are some very simple steps you can be take to protect yourself. Many of these steps are simple common sense - but some of them may surprise you.

1. Don't give out personal information to anyone who doesn't genuinely need it - not even to family and friends.
   
   
2. Be careful with your wallet/purse and don't carry more credit cards or membership cards than you actually need.
   
   
3. Consider switching from paper bills and statements to electronic, paperless versions.
   
   
4. Pay for goods and services electronicaly - don't send cheques in the mail if you can avoid it.
   
   
5. Have your salary paid directly into your bank account.
   
   
6. Retrieve your paper mail quickly. If you're going away on business or vacation then either have it uplifted by someone you trust or have the post office hold it until you return.
   
   
7. Before discarding any private documentation shred it or tear it into very small pieces. This includes any "junk mail" offers you receive which have your personal data recorded - such as pre-approved offers of credit cards, loans, insurance etc.
   
   
8. Keep computer passwords secure and change them frequently. Don't choose obvious passwords e.g. children's names, spouse's date of birth etc.
   
   
9. Install, use and regularly update anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware protection software on your PC.
   
   
10. Be very suspicious of, and do not reply to, any email which arrives from a supposedly official source and which asks you to update your details - password, date of birth etc. Reputable companies will never send such emails out.
    
    
11. Never discard a computer, or any other device which has personal data stored on it, without first erasing all sensitive data

It's true what they say - a little common sense goes a long way. If something doesn't feel right, or if you don't understand why someone is asking you for certain items of information, don't feel obliged to go along with things. If it's a salesperson, or someone who appears to be official simply tell them that you're not happy to provide the information. Trust your own judgement.