What Do The Identity Theft Statistics Tell You?
The identity theft statistics are not very encouraging since these are showing a steady increase over the last ten years by about 80 percent which is a matter of worry. This means that this crime is committed every day in every manner conceivable. What can you, as a regular person, do in the face of such a threat?
You Can Change The Identity Theft Statistics
Talking about statistics I read somewhere that these are not always accurate as they are limited in most cases to a control group. Nonetheless, it is important that you start reversing those identity theft statistics.
Since identify theft has a tremendous impact upon your life both at personal and professional levels, you need to take adequate measures that you do not become part of those statistics. It is not difficult to ensure that you stay safe and out of the reach of any type of mischief. The identity theft statistics say that one in every 20 persons would fall prey to this problem this year. Would you want to be part of those identity theft statistics, or would you want to assure yourself that you stay outside the danger's dragnet?
How Do You Stay Safe?
Preventing identity theft is just a matter being organized and ensuring that no one ever has access to your personal information, i.e your social security number, your bank account details, your mother's maiden name, your puppy's name, you cat's (if any) name, your dependents' name and any such information that could be used to prove your identity.
Do not keep any sensitive information in your purse or wallet. Imagine it being stolen, what things are of most importance to you in your wallet? Remove all that would give access to your bank account or enable the thief to apply for a credit card in your name. Do not have passwords, bank accounts, pin codes, social security number, etc. on your person as these too could be stolen. Keep these in a safe place in your home.
Make Xerox copies of all the important papers you have, i.e. life insurance policy, medical insurance, appointment letter, credit cards, etc. This would be of great help in case you do become part of the identity theft statistics. If and when you loose anything, you would be able to immediately inform the correct authorities and have the credit card and other important accounts cancelled or on hold until you sort yourself out.
Staying safe is possible, provided you put in the right effort and you are extra alert when you deal with sensitive information.
