Online identity theft refers to the act of stealing personal information to perform fraudulent activities. The most common of these occurs when someone makes fraudulent purchases under your name. When this happens, debt builds up, and debt collectors call you regarding purchases you never made; this can severely damage your credit rating.
Identity theft is incredibly devastating for the victim. Thankfully, an identity theft lawyer can help you remove fraudulent activity from your credit report. Even so, it’s important to prevent online identity theft altogether. Here are some tips to use routinely for daily online activity; learn how to prevent identity theft online.
Regularly Check Your Credit Report
Make it a routine to check your credit report at least twice a year for credit report errors, if not more. In the case of a significant data breach, you’ll need to check all high-risk information immediately. If you’ve ever had to rent an apartment, apply for a credit card, or open a bank account, you have a credit report. A credit report usually contains:
- Personal ID information
- Inquiry information
- Collection data
- Current and/or past credit accounts
Be Wary Of Online Traps
Identity theft happens when someone least expects it, and, likely, you wouldn’t notice any trouble for weeks or even months after it’s happened. Be cautious of where you browse the web and which content you access.
Do not:
- Use free public wi-fi spots – they’re often vulnerable to hacking
- Open suspicious emails or click attachments or links you’re not 100% familiar with
- Provide sensitive information to websites without confirming with a representative that it’s standard protocol
Look Out for Suspicious Activity
Identity theft can happen right under your nose. Many people are shocked to find out that their credit data has been breached for this very reason. To prevent it from happening at all, consistently remain aware of activity within your credit report. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s something you should address immediately. Some common examples of suspicious activity include:
- Unrecognized accounts that didn’t open yourself
- Incorrect credit history and balances
- Incorrect addresses and/or employers
- Unrecognized loans or credit cards
Freeze Your Credit Report
If you notice suspicious activity of any kind, it’s important to freeze your credit report. It’s completely free with all credit bureaus and won’t affect your current credit information. Even with a credit freeze, you can continue using your cards. The only downside is that you won’t be able to apply for any loans or new credit cards. While this can stop identity theft in its tracks, it can be slightly inconvenient. Even so, it’s the most secure and effective way to prevent the fallout of identity theft from getting worse.
Hire an Identity Theft Lawyer
Being a victim of identity theft is an overwhelming and damaging experience. Thankfully, you’re not alone and we can help.
If you’ve been the victim of identity theft, don’t wait. Get help by contacting an identity theft lawyer. As experienced identity theft attorneys, we can help. We will work with you to clear your name with the credit bureaus and get your life back. Don’t feel helpless – we’re here to clean up the mess.