If you have an identity, then it can be stolen. It doesn’t matter where you are, whether you are out and about on the streets, or whether you are safely tucked away in your home, you can be a victim of identity theft. You also need to remember that this is a very common crime and that people every day are being affected by it, in one way or another. Your identity can be used in so many ways, for so many reasons, and they are all used for bad things such as terrorism, credit card fraud and immigrancy. Identity theft can have a very negative effect on your life, and the lives of those around you.
If you are wondering how your identity can be stolen, just look around you. How many pieces of paper are around you with your name and address on? None? Look again, find every bank statement or credit card statement that is on top of the table. Don’t think they can be used to steal your identity? Think again! Every scrap of paper, no matter how big or small, with any of your details on, whether it be name, address, bank numbers etc. can be used against you in a form of identity theft. Imagine if you were burgled right now, think of all the personal information they could steal. That is exactly how your identity can be stolen.
How many times have you been standing at an ATM and there has been a queue of people behind you? If that person was to take a peek over your shoulder and find out what your Pin number is and then manage to steal your wallet or purse, they could spend endless amounts of your money. Another way in which your identity can be stolen. Is your mailbox secure? How many people walk passed your house everyday? It only takes one of those people to reach in to your mailbox and grab something. Imagine if that was your new credit card, and then the person returned a couple of days later to try and get hold of your Pin? Imagine the damage that could cause, not only on your monetary status, but also in your credit score.
Learning how your identity can be stolen is a good way to prevent it from happening. Once you know the types of situations that identity theives thrive, you can protect yourself more thoroughly once in these situations. It is mainly down to common sense. You have an identity and it can be stolen. If your information is not secure, it can be stolen. If you left a brand new phone on your front door, how long do you think it would be before it was stolen? The same way works with your identity. If you broadcast who you are, over the internet or in your home, then it can be stolen.
There are certain age groups that are at a higher risk, and also people in higher salary bands. If you are one of these people that are aged between 18 and 24, or are earning over $75,000 on a yearly basis, then you are one of those people that are categorized as being of a greater risk of becoming a victim. You should therefore take preventative measures to ensure you do not allow yourself to become a victim.
Be aware, and then protect yourself and you can ensure you don’t become a victim. It works in the same way as with other crimes. If you leave personal items laying about where they can be grabbed, they will be stolen andyour identity and who has hold of it is the same thing!