With the increasing amount of information we share online and offline, the chances that someone could collect your personal information and use it for fraudulent purposes increases as well.
- Password/PIN Security: Don’t use the same password or PIN across all of your accounts. Avoid easily guessed PINs like birthdays, common numeric sequences etc. Keep a hard copy of all digital passwords, if someone hacks your computer, they could access all of your passwords if they are saved there.
- Protect your Computer: By installing and maintaining a fire wall, anti-virus and anti –spyware program you will be able to protect your computer from the most common attacks.
- Keep your Wallet Lean: Don’t use your wallet like a portable filing cabinet. By minimizing the personal information and cards you keep in your wallet, you will be able to reduce the chance of your identity being compromised if your wallet is stolen or lost
- Online Shopping Safety: Never email credit card information or make purchases on unsecured sites. If you are making an online transaction, always ensure you are dealing with a reputable retailer and that their site is secured.
- Document Security: Shred any documents with personal information, such as financial statements, envelopes with your name and address and anything that could potentially be used to steal your identity.
- Watch out for Phishing Scams: Don’t respond to unsolicited emails that don’t make sense or come from people that you do not recognize. Watch for emails that request personal information claiming to be a bank, financial institution or government offices
