Each year, an estimated 10 million Americans are expected to become victims of crimes related to fraud and identity theft. Most often, consumers are not even aware that they had already become a victim of ID theft until their creditors start notifying them about their unpaid debts.
Students are also prone to identity theft and fraud because many young people are careless when it comes to handling their student credit cards. Sometimes students leave their credit cards in dorms where others can easily steal them or copy their account numbers. Some even tend to write down their account numbers and PIN numbers in sheets of paper that can easily get misplaced or stolen.
Whether you’re a student or an adult, what are the steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft? Consider the following advice and remember to put them into practice:
Don’t throw credit card receipts and billing statements in trash. Be aware that identity thieves also rummage through trash bins in search of precious bank account information. Be sure to shred your bills into very small pieces before throwing them in the trash.
Use your ATM discreetly. When withdrawing cash from your ATM, watch out for people who may be watching behind your back, trying to seize your account numbers or PIN.
Keep your credit card in sight at all times. When paying with your credit cards, don’t let it out of your sight even for just a few moments. Identity thieves may use small “skimming” devices that can copy the important details of your credit card without making it obvious.
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Students are also prone to identity theft and fraud because many young people are careless when it comes to handling their student credit cards. Sometimes students leave their credit cards in dorms where others can easily steal them or copy their account numbers. Some even tend to write down their account numbers and PIN numbers in sheets of paper that can easily get misplaced or stolen.
Whether you’re a student or an adult, what are the steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft? Consider the following advice and remember to put them into practice:
Don’t throw credit card receipts and billing statements in trash. Be aware that identity thieves also rummage through trash bins in search of precious bank account information. Be sure to shred your bills into very small pieces before throwing them in the trash.
Use your ATM discreetly. When withdrawing cash from your ATM, watch out for people who may be watching behind your back, trying to seize your account numbers or PIN.
Keep your credit card in sight at all times. When paying with your credit cards, don’t let it out of your sight even for just a few moments. Identity thieves may use small “skimming” devices that can copy the important details of your credit card without making it obvious.
Continue reading: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Resources for YOU:
