DID YOU KNOW?
Almost 18 million people were victims of identity theft in the United States last year.
Online computer hackers have infiltrated and exposed the personal information of 110 million Americans, nearly half of the US adult population, over the last year alone.
Hackers attack computers every 39 seconds.
What the identity thieves need from you
Bank statement - Bank statements give hackers your full name, address, and account number. If you have a large overdraft limit, it can tell them your a valuable target. To protect your self, shred your bank statements before you throw them away, or opt for paperless statements and check your accounts online.
Security code on the back of your credit card - Thieves often need this to use your card, and may call or email asking for it after stealing your address and card data. To protect yourself, never give out your security code unless you initiated the call or purchase, and double check your statements after a suspicious call. Banks never call and ask for your security code.
PIN and passwords - Thieves need your PIN to use your card. With passwords, it is not just internet banking codes they are after. even your email password can give access to lots of information about you. To protect yourself, use different passwords for all your accounts, and never log in to your bank account from a public computer.
Driver license or passport - Photo IDs can be altered by experts. A criminal with your passport can impersonate you in banks, with estate agents, or even to the police, leaving you with a criminal record for a crime they committed. To protect yourself, keep your documents at home in a safe or locked drawer. Only carry them with you when you need them.
Online banking information - Criminals create fake banking websites (phishing sites) to steal your bank account access details for online fraud. To protect yourself, never click a link in an email directing you to a banking website. Log in to your backing account via your bank's home page.
Not afraid yet? Did you realize that over 439 million people have been hacked? This has created a backlog for investigators and most crimes are never reported or are resolved outside of court.
I personally have been a victim of having their credential exposed by hackers infiltrating companies that have my personal information. Fortunately, I have not had my information used, but I know several people close to me that have had this happen to them. Do you know what to do to protect yourself from becoming a statistic. Keep reading to find out.
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