Identity Theft Protection and Insurance

Identity theft is a crime perpetrated while individuals trade personal information using the computers and Internet. While many are discreet and prompt about disposing personal correspondence including bank statements, there are still quite a lot who put their personal data online without taking measures in protecting such precious information.

The price of giving personal data electronically is very high—identity theft. It may be a tedious undertaking to protect your identity, but it is worth your time. It will also save you from an expensive recovery process. Every year, the number of victims of identity theft reaches almost 9 million.

Protecting Yourself

If you go online you will realize that identity theft is a common crime. There are hundreds of products created to help you protect your identity. The software is cleverly created to let you closely monitor your account’s every action or changes made. It will give early signs of fraud or identity theft committed against you. Aside from software, there are procedures which when strictly followed can give you the needed protection for free.

One important thing to bear in mind is vigilance. This is especially needed when you go online. Besides having installed on your computer anti-malware and anti-virus programs, have your firewall enabled, your passwords and usernames cleared out whenever you exit from a web site. Whether you are using a public Internet connection, this must be a must. Identity thieves do not need much time. All they need is a few seconds to scoop out your personal information.

Your passwords and usernames should be replaced every month as well. The same thing is said about your PIN. Your PIN should not be stored on your electronic device.

Phishing is the act or series of activities with the sole purpose of stealing identities. Generally, the thieves will simulate a legitimate company or business, or copy a genuine web site with a message luring you to provide for personal information. If they have your personal data, they can engage in transactions such as obtaining loans or making purchases using your data. Before you give your personal data, insure that the web site your are visiting is legitimate and offers security measures to its consumers such as security seal, SSL protection and other security controls.

Making Online Purchases

Compared with debit card transactions and bank transfers, the credit cards have stronger protection against fraud and identity theft. They are safer to use in making online shopping.

Protection Service from Identity Theft

There are services rendered to protect your identity from cybercrimes. But they come with a price. Too, many of these businesses providing for supposed protection are actually the perpetrators of such crimes. These online criminals are very creative and clever. They use every means to make them appear legitimate and genuine. So, whenever you visit a web site, have its integrity checked. Even the software can be faked as providing a protection but by itself a malware or spyware.

Do some research about how the identify theft is committed. There are also newsletters or alerts that can be useful to you.