We regularly check in with the latest tips from the Identity Theft Resource Center and share what we learn in this blog. According to “Solution #25”, what follows is some great advice on detecting scams.
According to ITRC, thieves are coming up with more and more devious ways to try and trick you into giving them your personal information. What’s so important about your personal information? A crook can open up a new line of credit in your name, rent an apartment, purchase cars, homes, and other goods, get a job, get out of criminal acts, or take over your bank account. In other words, the instant you give up certain personal information to a thief, you are in jeopardy.
What information do thieves want?
- Social Security Number
- Bank account or credit card numbers
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance policy numbers (medical and auto)
- Date of birth
- State or employee identification number.
Here are some universal rules to keep in mind when trying to determine if something is a scam or not.
- If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
- When in doubt, check it out.
- A bank, credit card company, or utility company will never ask for your personal information by email, whether you have an account or not, period.
For more information on identity theft protection, please visit www.hvshred.com