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Identity Theft Crime

Technology is making it more convenient for ordinary people to become criminals. It is that temptation of avoiding the system rules completely and do as you please. Thus it is only fair to assume that the days of you being someone has long gone and you are now becoming more and more just another number. We are talking here about people stealing identities to make themselves wealthier and anyone is at risk.

Not so long ago, I became a victim of identity theft. I should have probably thanked my bank more for having systems in place to help them detect these sorts of crimes. The bank was on the case in a matter of hours and completely stopped them in their tracks before they caused me financial chaos. The best thing about this crime is that you do not need your wallet or purse stolen from you to fall a victim.

The United Kingdom is one of those countries that still deliver directly to your front door instead of using a post box. This convenience for anyone using the mail system makes you an easy target for people to obtain information about you. They only need a few basic details to start opening accounts in your name and that’s it for you.

People have become far too trusting with their fellow man when majority of them will jump at the chance to better themselves and leave you in the gutter to sort out the mess. There are a few basic things you can do, which is free and simple to help you not become a victim.

1. Pizza Deliveries – When you place an order on the telephone and pay by credit or debit card they take down all the details to charge the order. This leaves you quite vulnerable and there is nothing you can do to stop them from taking money off you. They’ve got your address and they’ve got all the important details on the card to cripple you financially. Try to order online via a secure website or pay by cash or cheque instead.
2. Bank / Credit Card Statements – I have seen a lot of people throw these out in the bin without even shredding them. Do yourself a favour and shred it. The more personal information that’s out there about you, the worse it can get.
3. Social Networking Sites – Chances are that you have not adjusted your privacy settings yet which leaves your page or profile open for anyone to view it. Great, could you have made it any easier for them?
4. Routine Account Checks – This one should be done more often. Log into your online banking or credit card accounts and make sure that you see what you have spent and what you have spent only.
5. Dodgy ATM / Cash Machines – This still happens and it is a growing trend. Make sure that the machine has no loose parts before you stick your card in the slot. Cover up the keypad when you type in your pin as people use little cameras to spy on people.

Identity theft is no joke and shouldn’t be taken lightly as it affects a portion of the population and it is on the increase as we speak. Take more care with your accounts and personal information as how would you prove that it is really you?