Think Identity Theft Can’t Happen to You? You’d Better Think Twice.

Identity theft is a severe problem in the United States! That’s why we’re sharing this article with stories about identity theft. Protecting yourself from identity theft includes keeping your personal information safe, checking your credit report regularly, and being alert for red flags. We hope you find this helpful and that you take steps to protect yourself from identity theft.

One Of The Most Common Scenarios

It was a warm, sunny day as Jane walked to the bank to deposit her paycheck. She had just finished paying her monthly rent and bills and was looking forward to finally having some money left over. As she walked, she absentmindedly checked her email on her phone and saw an email from her bank. “Your account has been frozen,” the email said. “Please contact us immediately.”

The next few days were a blur as Jane tried to figure out what had happened. She had never even heard of identity theft before but quickly learned that it was a growing problem in the United States. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were nearly 16 million identity theft cases in 2017 alone. Victims reported losing an average of $1,038 each time their identities were stolen.

Jane was fortunate to get all her money back eventually, but not everyone is so lucky. In fact, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, only about 17% of identity theft victims receive restitution for their losses.

Identity theft can happen in many ways—someone could steal your Social Security number and use it to open fraudulent accounts, or they could hack into your computer and steal your personal information. And once your information is out there, it can be used over and over again.

You can protect yourself from identity theft by being aware of the risks and taking steps to safeguard your personal information. Here are some tips:

• Keep your personal information safe. Be careful about what you post on social media, and don’t save your passwords on your computer. Don’t carry your Social Security card with you, and don’t give out your number unless it’s essential.
• Check your credit report regularly. Reviewing your account can help you catch fraudulent activity early. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies annually.
• Be alert for red flags. Be wary of unexpected emails or calls, especially if they ask for personal information. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t respond—contact the company directly to confirm that the communication is legitimate.

Identity theft is a severe problem, but you can protect yourself by being aware of the risks and taking steps to safeguard your information.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself from identity theft includes keeping your personal information safe, checking your credit report regularly, and being alert for red flags. PROSHRED Minnesota can help you protect yourself from identity theft by shredding all of your confidential documents. We offer secure document destruction services that will help keep your personal information safe and protected. Contact us today to learn more!