Identity theft means that someone takes and uses your personal information without consent in order to commit fraud or other crimes. All someone needs to steal your identity is a small bit of information about you. Knowing how to identify risks and protect yourself is crucial in keeping your personal information safe.

You’ve heard the old adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Well, this is particularly good advice when it comes to steering clear of Internet scams. Always exercise caution and healthy skepticism when making a transaction online.

Phishing. One of the most popular Internet scams is referred to as “phishing.” Phishing is when criminals imitate legitimate companies in order to obtain personal information. The “phisher” will send out millions of emails asking users to verify their account information by providing important personal information. The three most common ways people fall prey to this is by responding with a return email, filling out an email form, or clicking on a Web site “link” that actually leads to the phisher’s Web site.

Spoofing. Another popular Internet scam is called “spoofing.” Spoofing is occurs when an individual receives an email that appears to have come from somewhere other than where it actually did. Criminals use spoofing to secure personal and financial information in order to commit credit card fraud.

Catching. In order to speed up you Internet experience, your computer keeps a trail of where you have been. Unfortunately, if you are using a public computer or even a friend’s computer, you may be leaving personal information only a few keystrokes away.

Keeping your computer safe. There are several ways to protect your computer from hackers and viruses. First, purchase anti-virus software. This will help keep your system from being damaged or ruined by a virus, worm, or a Trojan horse. Second, always keep your operating system updated. As soon as vulnerabilities are found, the system vendors make “patches” to fix them, so you should always download the new updates they have. Third, install a firewall to protect yourself from those who wish to do you harm. Fourth, exercise caution when using wireless networks. And lastly, beware of file sharing programs. You may be sharing things that you didn’t intend to.

Although you can never completely control whether or not you will become a victim of identity theft, there are several things you can do to help prevent it.

1. Request a free copy of your credit report. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to a credit report from each of the major nationwide consumer reporting companies once every twelve months, at your request. You can order your free annual report at 877-322-8228. You can also request a free copy if a company takes adverse action against you. You must request the report within 60 days of the action.
2. Place passwords on your credit card, bank account, and phone. Don’t use information that is easily accessible like your mother’s maiden name or your birth date.
3. Make sure personal information in your home is in a secure place, not accessible to roommates or outside help.
4. When giving personal information to businesses, doctor’s offices, or other institutions, ask about their security procedures. Find out who will have access to the information, what the disposal procedures are, and how your information will be kept confidential.
5. Never give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or through the Internet unless you know who you are in contact with. Check an agencies’ validity by typing their URL into the address line instead of just cutting and pasting it.
6. Take care when disposing of trash and mail. Always shred charge receipts, copies of credit card applications, physicians statements, insurance forms, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards, and credit card offers.
7. Keep your Social Security Number in a safe place. Do not carry it with you.
8. Only give out your social security number if it’s absolutely necessary. For state identifiers, such as driver’s license numbers, ask to use another number.
9. Only carry with you the credit or debit cards and the identification that you will need when you go out.
10. Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work.
11. Do not have new checks delivered directly to your home. Instead, opt to pick them up at the bank.
12. Be cautious when responding to promotions. Identity thieves create fake promotions to get personal information from you.

Do you have a question that you want answered? So do we! But we’re at a loss for the answer to our question. So why don’t you just ask us your question at How Do I? and see if either we can or one of our many viewers can answer it? Maybe…