How To Protect Your Identity Online

We’re very safety conscious as a rule when we deal with people face to face when it comes to our credit cards and other payments. But for some reason, this sense of being guarded with our personal information seems to go out the window when we’re operating online.

And this is strange, because when you put any kind of personal information or credit card details on the web, you’re far more at risk to falling prey to identity theft than if you hand over your card in a hotel or restaurant in person.

Use these tips to keep your identity safe and your personal info secure when online:

1. Check For The Lock

On the browser status bar you will often see a lock symbol and ‘https’ in the address bar. Both these indicate that the connection is secure. For any financial transaction, you need to look for the lock before inputting any details. It’s not a 100% guarantee that the transaction will be secure, but if it’s not there, it means there’s no security whatsoever.

2. Fudge It

If you’re simply registering for a site for entertainment purposes, you don’t need to be absolutely truthful when you fill in the required fields. You can also find websites that will supply you with ready-made registration info.

3. Use Single-Use Credit Card Numbers

Ask your credit card company about one-shot credit card numbers. This is where you can purchase online using a credit card number that is valid for one transaction only.

4. Beware Phishing

You’ve probably often received emails claiming there’s a problem at your bank. If you get these don’t ever click through on the links. Instead go to the bank website and look up the problem there. If you can’t find anything, inform the bank about the phishing email you’ve received.

5. Brief The Kids

If you’re doing your best not to disseminate any personal info you don’t need to over the web, make sure that your children do the same thing. If you’re not sure that they are capable of this, then use parental controls to limit what they can do online.

6. Be Secure

It’s not just online that your info is in danger. A colleague or one of the kids’ friends could copy personal files when you’re away from your desk. Keep your passwords personal and make sure they are strong enough not to be easily guessed. Lock the pc when you step away from it.

7. Shred Everything

Identity theft can take place in your garbage cans – not just online. Don’t forget to shred any bills, credit card receipts, insurance forms and bank statements before you dispose of them.

8. Stay Informed

There are always new ways for identity thieves to get round people’s security. You can find info on all kinds of security resources at SecurityCompanies.com and similar sites. And if you are concerned that you may already have been a victim of identity theft, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.