In the last few years, identity theft has become a growing concern among consumers. The problem is particularly prevalent in the home, where people often neglect to take precautions to safeguard their identities. Homeowners often use the same password for multiple accounts, share their personal information with contractors, and don’t change their passwords frequently enough. All of these practices make it easier for criminals to steal your identity and commit fraud in your name. Fortunately, there are simple ways you can prevent identity theft in your home and keep it from spreading further:
Change passwords regularly
When creating a new password, follow this rule: Create passwords that are at least 20 characters long and include a combination of numbers, capital and lower case letters, and special characters (such as a period or an exclamation point). It’s important to change your password every 30-45 days, and you should never share your password with anyone. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, make sure they all use a different password. If you use the same password for your online bank account and online dating profile, for example, a criminal could use your bank password to steal money from your savings account. Changing your password regularly prevents this from happening.
Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts
If you use the same password for multiple accounts, a criminal can easily steal your identity by using your password to access one of your accounts. For example, if you use the same password for your online banking account and your online dating profile, a criminal can use your password to steal money from your savings account. You should create unique passwords for each account, and never use the same password for multiple accounts. If you use the same password for your online banking account and your online dating profile, a criminal can use your password to steal money from your savings account. You should create unique passwords for each account, and never use the same password for multiple accounts.
Don’t share your Social Security number or other sensitive information online
Social media sites can be great for making new friends and finding information, but they can also be a breeding ground for identity theft. If you share your Social Security number or other sensitive information online, it’s easier for a criminal to steal your identity and commit fraud in your name. Avoid sharing your SSN or other sensitive information on social media sites, and don’t click on suspicious links or open suspicious attachments. You should also avoid clicking on links to websites that look like they come from your bank or other trusted source. If you receive an email or text message that appears to be from a trusted source, but isn’t, don’t click on any links or open any attachments.
Don’t provide your Social Security number to contractors
If you hire a contractor to work on your home, they may ask you for your Social Security number. It’s important to remember that providing this information could make it easier for a criminal to steal your identity. Instead of providing your Social Security number, you should ask for a copy of the contractor’s identification. You should also ask for proof of insurance, and make sure you receive a contract that clearly spells out the work being done and the cost.
Use a credit card instead of a debit card
Debit cards make it easy for criminals to steal your identity. If you use a debit card, your bank will send your financial information to the merchant, who will use it to process your payment. Criminals can use this information to steal your identity and commit fraud in your name. If you use a credit card, your bank will send your financial information to the credit card company, who will process the payment and send you a bill. Criminals can use this information to steal your identity and commit fraud in your name, but it’s much more difficult for them to do so. If you use a credit card, you should keep your financial information private, and never give it to anyone.
Conclusion
The cost of identity theft is significant, and the problem is growing. If you don’t take precautions, a criminal could steal your identity and commit fraud in your name. Fortunately, there are simple ways you can prevent identity theft in your home and keep it from spreading further. Change passwords regularly, don’t use the same password for multiple accounts, don’t share your Social Security number or other sensitive information online, don’t provide your Social Security number to contractors, use a credit card instead of a debit card, and don’t open suspicious attachments or click on suspicious links.