I am sure you have heard about it thousands of times on the Internet, the radio, and especially on television, which is identity theft. It sounds like such an obscure topic that could never affect you, but just like any other security topic, it can happen to you.

Usually when it does happen, it is quiet, yet destructive resulting in hurt credit, lost money, and personal stress. Do you understand the growing problem of identity theft and what it means to you? First of all, let us start by identifying how identity theft can happen exactly, and that way prevention measures can be set. According to the government, thieves will use six main ways to steal your identity.

The first step is through dumpster diving, which is probably one of the main ways thieves get information. People think that no one will go through their trash, and maybe they rip their information in half, but thieves will stop at nothing to get your identity. It is best to avoid any problems and just shred whatever documents and even CD's or disks that contain personal information.

The second step is through skimming, which is when special storage devices are being used while processing your card that can store your information for later use. This can happen at run down stores and even at some higher end chain stores. The best way to prevent this is to pay with cash whenever you are at an unknown or untrustworthy store, and of course be savvy when using your card.

The third step is phishing, which is one of the newer ways to steal your identity brought on by the advent of the Internet. You go to a site you believe is trustworthy, a pop up appears asking for some information and you feel it out thinking you will win a free something or other, or you will get the product you need. Do not fall prey to this method! Use anti-phishing protection such as a security program, and be especially wary of pop ups asking for personal information.

The fourth step is done when you change your address. This is an interesting method, a thief sends your billing statements to another location by issuing a change in address form. This especially can be prevented by again shredding your bank, credit card, and subscription information, or anything else that has something personal on it.

The fifth step is simply old fashioned stealing. Thieves will steal wallets, purses, mail, which includes bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.

The sixth step is by pretexting. Thieves may use a false identity such as bank employee or customer service representative to obtain personal information. The thief can then pretend to be you and make withdrawals and other financial transactions to steal your money. Be wary whenever someone asks for personal information such as a social security number or bank account number. As technology advances the problem will only be compacted. Inspect all your documents and take the extra minute or two to shred documents containing personal information. It is a fairly preventable problem, and one that you should take seriously to avoid major financial ruin.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for home goods, home supplies, home automation and security. Follow these links to find the best home goods, home supplies, and information on identity theft.

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