Learn why spam is dangerous and what to do about them. Learn to better manage the online accounts. Don't fall victim to phishing scams. You may also want to learn about spear phishing or read about a real phishing case. When using public computers for highly sensitive transactions, consider the trust level you have with the facility providing Internet access. There are public computers that are more trustworthy than others and as such may not have spyware and predatory eyes to spy on your passwords and gain unauthorized access to your accounts and other sensitive information.
Learn more about trusted computer. Read about 3 ways to protect your documents. Malware is short for "malicious software". Learn more. Learn about remote smartphone security.
Have a personal file backup and security strategy. Learn about advantages and risks of online storage. Malware Criminals use different techniques to install malware on another person's device. Mail theft Thieves may sift through your mail in hopes of finding personally identifiable information. Child ID theft Identity thieves can use a child's Social Security number to open financial accounts, apply for government benefits, apply for loans, and to apply for an apartment.
Tax ID theft Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, to file a tax return to collect your tax refund.
Read More. What happens to my information after identity theft? Identity thieves can profit from your personal information in a variety of ways. Steal your money or benefits How identity thieves use your information often depends on what information they have. Sell it on the dark web After a data breach, the exposed information sometimes ends up on the dark web — a part of the internet that isn't indexed by search engines.
Impersonate you An identity thief could also create fake social media accounts pretending to be you, use your info to pass a job background check or rent an apartment. Possible signs of identity theft It pays to monitor your banking and credit card statements frequently, along with your credit reports and your mail. The IRS sends you a letter informing you that more than one tax return was filed in your name.
There are unfamiliar charges on your credit card statement. You don't get bills in the mail. This could mean someone has stolen your data and changed your billing address. You're turned down for a loan. If you typically have strong credit and expect to be approved for the loan, this could mean an identity thief took out loans in your name and damaged your credit.
How to help protect yourself against identity theft Here are some easy ways you can protect yourself against identity theft: Create unique, complex passwords, for each account and device. A strong password includes a dozen letters, numbers, and symbols.
Or you can create a long passphrase, which would be hard for a criminal to guess, but easier for you to remember. Change your password if you suspect the account has been compromised. Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it. Never give out your personal information — especially on phone calls you didn't initiate. Shred documents before throwing them away. This might include mail, receipts, bills, and any other paperwork that contains sensitive information.
Choose paperless billing when possible, so your account information doesn't get sent to your mailbox. You can also opt out of receiving prescreened offers in the mail. Leave your Social Security card, Medicare card, and debit and credit cards in a safe place at home.
Only carry what you absolutely need in your wallet. Use websites that are secure. The URL will start with an "https" the "s" stands for "secure". Check your financial accounts often and keep tabs on your credit reports to look for changes you didn't make.
Don't click links, open attachments, or respond to emails from unfamiliar or untrusted sources. These may contain malware. Without your knowledge, spyware runs in the background while it records your Internet browsing habits and keystrokes, monitors the programs you use and collects your personal information, which can lead to credit card fraud and online identity theft.
While your computer is connected to the Internet, spyware quietly transmits your personal information to cybercriminals, which can include:. Once your personal information is received by the hacker who placed spyware on your computer, they can now:. Pummel your PC with pop-ups , spam and unwanted messages as well as direct you to websites you never intended to visit. Spyware used for online identity theft can be the most harmful and difficult to remove of any type of malware.
Here are a few things that can help you improve your level of online identity theft security:. Immediately delete messages you suspect to be spam. Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn't help.
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