How do they find my personal information?

There are several ways that identity thieves are searching for personal information. The result of its misuse could leave you with enormous debts caused by another’s spending. These slick thieves are quick to access your info and sell it to the highest bidder.

The best way to handle this risk is by understanding where they are finding your personal information and protecting yourself. You would be surprised by the number of places your identity can be stolen. You must be vigilant and on guard, otherwise you could end up getting into a deep debt spiral that was not caused by your own spending. 

General Stealing

Just imagine how much information a thief gets just by stealing your wallet. They have your government issued identification like your driver’s license, social insurance card, and your healthcare information as well as any credit cards you may have.

If your vehicle is broken into or stolen a thief could acquire your mail with banking information, pre-approved credit forms or access your home address with your vehicle registration. Also be sure that your computer is password protected. Do not dispose of a computer with out the hard drive being free of your personal information.  

Dumpster Diving

What are you throwing in your trash? Quite likely a thief would find more than some egg shells and old newspaper. Bills, bank statements, pre-approved credit forms and other items may have your personal information on them and make you vulnerable to identity theft.  

Diverting Your Mail

If a thief gets possession of your financial statements they can change your address by filling out a simple form and have your personal information delivered right to their door.  From there they can apply for more credit under your name and you will never know. 

Pretexting

Pretexting is a tactic used by identity thieves where they obtain your personal info from financial institutions or other places by pretending to be someone privy to this information and may use false or forged documents to verify their legitimacy. This trickery could find your account or billing information available to the highest bidder. 

Skimming

This type of theft is when a device it used to read and store your financial information when your credit card or debit card is processed. The device is often concealed leaving you completely unaware of its presence. Your info can be obtained in a similar method through an ATM. 

Phishing

This high-tech scam uses internet pop-ups or spam claiming to be financial institutions or any number of fraudulent companies in hopes of receiving your personal information. Be cautious of online contests, surveys or any other source asking for any of your info. It can be very difficult to verify a company’s legitimacy online. 

With so many sources available to these fact-finding thieves do not be naïve of their abilities. By simply changing bad habits and being proactive in the handling of your personal information you can easily protect yourself and keep this precious knowledge out of dangerous hands.