Identity theft can happen on different levels. The main types of identity theft are:
- Financial
- Medical
- Character / Criminal
- Driver’s license ID
- Social security ID
People whose identity has been stolen mostly suffer of the following effects:
- Financial: disputing fraudulous activity can be strainuous
- Emotional: more than 60% feel stress and anxiety
- Social: some relationships can be affected, be it on the professional or the personal levels
How to protect yourself?
- Use different passwords for your credit cards, bank accounts and telephone and do not share your passwords with anyone
- Only keep the cards or information to be used at hand. There is no need to keep all your information on you at all times
- Shred receipts and bills that might divulge personal/account information your mail and always remain alert in case of a breach
- Avoid accessing your financial data from unsecured networks at cafes, airports or public places. It would be good to install a firewall on your laptop to prevent outsider access to your data
- Review your statements/accounts regularly to spot -and report- any discrepancies as soon as possible
Be safe!
