How to Protect Yourself
There are several ways to protect yourself from identity theft, but once somebody has gained access to your personal information, they can open credit card accounts and spend money in your name. This means you can be in debt without even knowing it. And your credit score will be affected by this and not the thief's.
A low credit score can make it hard to get loans. This may not seem important to you now, but one day you may want to purchase a house or a car, or even start a business. Not only will it be more difficult to get a loan, but the interest rate may also be higher. A low credit score can affect your ability to be employed or rent a home.
This is why protecting your personal information and credit history is extremely important.But there's a lot you can do to stay safe:
Following these tips will keep your valuable personal information away from identity thieves. You don't have to do it alone. Laws and organizations exist to help keep your information safe. So you don't always have to worry.
There are several ways to protect yourself from identity theft, but once somebody has gained access to your personal information, they can open credit card accounts and spend money in your name. This means you can be in debt without even knowing it. And your credit score will be affected by this and not the thief's.
A low credit score can make it hard to get loans. This may not seem important to you now, but one day you may want to purchase a house or a car, or even start a business. Not only will it be more difficult to get a loan, but the interest rate may also be higher. A low credit score can affect your ability to be employed or rent a home.
This is why protecting your personal information and credit history is extremely important.But there's a lot you can do to stay safe:
- Shred all documents that have personal info on them like your date of birth or Social Security number.
- Don't ever give out personal information to someone who contacts you. You should reach out to them.
- Password-protect your computer, mobile phone, and even your wireless Internet network.
- Make unique, strong passwords for all your accounts and electronic devices.
- Frequently monitor your accounts to look for suspicious charges.
- Check your credit report annually.
Following these tips will keep your valuable personal information away from identity thieves. You don't have to do it alone. Laws and organizations exist to help keep your information safe. So you don't always have to worry.