You Can Avoid Identity Theft

Before we go into how we can avoid identity theft, let us see what identity theft means. Identity theft is mostly defined as a state where another person uses your name to appropriate gains due to you – this could be anything from abusing your credit cards to usurping your medical insurance or bank balance, or committing crimes in your name. We are often not aware that we leave behind us a trail of vital information, which literally invites miscreants to pick it up and misuse it. How many times you have written your full name, security number and phone number on the back of the pizza payment check? Now, sit and think logically how many people would have access to that information before the check is deposited.

Then, you will have the bank personnel who will have access to your account number as well. Can you realize how inviting it can be to know the details you have mentioned? If that check falls into the hands of any unscrupulous person, you will be wide open for identity theft whereby your bank can be cleared within minutes.