Identity theft is a crime whereby criminals imitate people, typically for financial gain. More often you need to reveal private information, such as password, name, address, phone numbers, and even banking and credit card information. If you give out this information the thief will have access and use it against you, he or she can use it to commit fraud in your name.

With this information the thief could do things such as applying for loans or new credit card accounts. They can then request a billing address change and run up your existing credit card without you knowledge. They can also use fake checks and debit cards, or authorize electronic transfers in your name, to wipe out your bank account. Given the growth of online ID theft, many steps have been taken to ensure that consumers and Internet users are adequately protected. Protect yourself online with the following tips:

Password Protection

• Never share your passwords or PINs with anyone. 
•  Never write your passwords down where they could be easily found by others.
• When creating passwords, don't use information that could be easily linked to you (like your birth date, password, phone number, or the names of pets or hobbies).
• Use passwords that contain both letters and numbers, preferably not recognizable words (example: 7defkDer)
•  Don't provide your password to copycat or sites immitating the original -look carefully and type the URL manually if you intend using online banking.

Online Security

• If you are providing financial information or placing an order online, be sure the site is secure. Look for an URL that begins with "https://" and the "closed padlock" in the lower right hand corner of your browser.
• Do business only with financial institutions and online merchants that you know and trust.
• Watch out for copycat sites that may try to look like a financial institution. Be sure you are using the correct web address for your bank.
• Don't reply to any e-mail or pop-up message that requests you to update or provide personal information.
• Never leave your computer unattended while using any online banking or investing service.
• Always log off completely and close your browser when you are finished with a secure session.
• Only access your personal financial information from a computer you "trust." Internet kiosks and cyber cafes are not as secure as your personal computer.
• Install, use and regularly update anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer.

E-mail safety

• If an offer received via e-mail or on a website sound too good to be true, it probably is.
• E-mail is not secure. Never e-mail personal financial information such as account numbers or your password.
• Don't open e-mail or attachments from senders you don't know. And even when you know the source, exercise caution. Attachments may be Trojan Horse programs that compromise your computer's security.
• Beware of e-mail scams. Never respond to unwanted e-mail or click a link within a suspicious e-mail asking you to validate your account information or provide personal information.
• Use e-mail filtering software to screen for "spam" and identify suspect messages.
• Turn off the "preview" function of your e-mail program. The feature can be a security risk. Cited: tdbank, 2011.

Sources:

• Webopedia
• tdbank

Page Created: 12 August 2011