Grand Rapids DUI Defense

Identity Theft:

Theft prior to the digital era was easy to notice.  It typically involved the theft of physical items.  With the digital age and the internet the rules have all changed.  Consumer's need to take action to protect themselves.  Only now instead of locking our doors and securing our homes, we need to secure our information, computers, mail and personal information that is more valuable than the property we hold.

Identity theft is the new crime often happening far away from where we live.  Below areseveral measures that you can take to secure your identity and avoid this digital theft.

Types of Identity Theft:

Individual identity theft is the common loss of a wallet, unsafe internet navigation (i.e.; phishing scam).  When the individual makes himself vulnerable to the theft of his own identity.

Physical Identity theft is when physical objects containing personal information are subject to theft due to a persons failure to act in a way as to protect the object containing this information (i.e.; mail etc.)

Digital identity theft is when a person fails to act in a way that makes digital and logical security controls protecting personal information accessible.

Preventive Measures:

Below are several steps that can be taken to prevent or at least lessen the likely hood of your identity being stolen.

• Review how you currently protect your personal information.

• At least once a year, review your credit report for any suspicious activity.

• Inventory all ID cards and any magnetic strip cards such as credit cards, or frequent {flyer, latte, drug store, Etc} cards.  Don't forget to include the contact numbers for each card.  Once the inventory is complete store it in a safe place.

• Buy a shredder if you don't have one already and USE it to shred anything that can be linked to you.  This especially includes those pre-approved credit card offers or low-interest rate cash advance checks.

• If you still use paper checks, re-order them with just your name.  Omit your address and telephone number- they are not required and most stores require you confirm your identity anyway.

• Conceal your hand when entering your PIN number at ATMs-especially abroad.

• Be careful about what you mail from your personal mailbox.  If you're still using those paper checks, take your bills to the post office, office, or US postal drop box for mailing.

• Review monthly financial statements for suspicious activity.

• Only carry your driver's license and the ID cards that you use regularly.

•  Only give your personal information over the telephone or on the internet to individuals you trust.

• Do not use links in emails to open online accounts.  It may take more time, but just Google the name of your institution and select the online link when it appears or type in direct.  The online link could be a internet phishing scam.  Be sure the address you type is the address received from the institution or Google.

• Consider buying ID theft insurance  a good website that compares all mutual reputable services is NextAdvisor.com

• If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft close the door.  Disconnect from the internet immediately.