Protecting Your Identity and Personal Information

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Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. Advances in technology and the ability to send and receiving information over a wide range of Wi-Fi networks allows anyone with access to a computer to become potential prey for identity thieves.

Before you find yourself a victim of identity theft, there are a few things you can do to protect your personal information and your identity.

Shred Any Documents and Mail

Many people believe that ripping up documents and mail is enough to prevent identity thieves from stealing their identity. The problem is these thieves can easily piece together information and use it to open up credit cards and take out loans.

To prevent identity theft, shred all documents and mail with a crisscross shredder. This will cut everything up into tiny pieces so the thieves cannot gain access to any information.

Don’t Put Your Social Security Number on Papers

People don’t think twice about placing their social security number on documents such as those in the doctor’s or dentist’s office. However, placing that number on the paper can make you a victim of identity theft. When filling out papers for doctors or dentists ask why they need your SSN and if the reason isn’t good enough or they can’t process your insurance without then you can give it to them. Don’t just write it on random papers.

Shedding your documents and being very careful with your social security number can help you protect your personal information and your identity from identity thieves.

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Identity Theft

Identity theft is an increasingly common form of crime that is being excessively practiced by online hackers. Identity theft is a criminal activity where the criminal uses the personal identity of a victim for committing other crimes or to steal from the victim. Personal information such as name, credit card number, bank account number, social security number, etc. is used without the permission of the victim.

Every year in excess of 10 million Americans get their person information stolen. This is an alarming number which increases the probability of you getting your personal identity stolen at least once in five years. The identity thieves could use the information in various ways such as obtaining a loan, a credit card, an apartment, a vehicle on debt, a telephone or a cellphone or all of the above. The victim will only come to know about these thefts only after receiving the credit card bill or any contact from the debt collecting agency to repay the debt obtained in the victim’s name. Identity theft is a serious issue which cannot be taken lightly. Many people under go thousands of dollars of loss because of the thief going out on a shopping spree. Some people undergo unbelievable embarrassment because of the thief buying illegal things on the internet or offline which are thought to be brought by the victim.

Identity theft is possible by various innovative and disgusting means that thieves have developed. One way to steal personal information is by diving into the dumps of victims and looking for bank papers and other documents which can help them. They could also appear as bank executives who are offering the victim a loan; in return the thief steals all kinds of personal information from the customer. Modern methods of stealing information are by means of using credit card information stealer and online bank forms. Some just steal purses and bags to get personal information.

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Business Owners: Beware of Employee Theft and Fraud

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When starting any kind of business, it is integral that employers hire employees that are not only competent and experienced, but are reliable and trustworthy. Employee theft and fraud can be a major offense to the prosperity and success of a business—big or small. Factors such as misplaced trust, lack of supervision, and a failure to follow basic (but necessary) financial procedures can all lead to employee theft. Business owners can implement a number of recommendations to keep their companies safe from internal fraud and theft.

One way to avoid employee theft is by creating a positive and honest work environment. It is good to encourage employees to follow internal rules and regulations, understand their role in the company, and give recognition for a job well done. Also, you can educate new hires on the company’s code of conduct and clearly define what is considered fraudulent and unacceptable behavior, as well as the consequences of such actions.

Prevent internal fraud and theft by enforcing strict access of classified information. Any kind of data concerning finances or transactions should be left to trustworthy and/or senior employees. It is also smart to implement an anonymous reporting system for anyone (employees, vendors and clients) to report if any policies have been violated. Additionally, a business should track and reconcile their accounts regularly to verify if any fraudulent behavior has occurred. Regular and irregular audits should be performed to research any loopholes in the current financial system in place.

Business owners should investigate any questionable incidents immediately and also lead by example. Signs of fraud should be dealt with promptly and such cases should help owners make informed decisions about bettering company policies. Business owners of any company–from a local boutique to a large corporation such as Nike–should make sure that all employees are held accountable for their actions.

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