Avoiding Identity Theft
Having your identity stolen by a stranger or especially by someone you know can be a frightening and enraging experience. People probably do not realize exactly how many sources of personal identification are or can be available to other parties.
There are several tactics that criminals commonly use to obtain information on others, such as phone numbers, addresses, or even credit card numbers. Obviously, these have proven successful because each year, approximately 9 million people are victims of this crime. It is important, therefore, for you to learn about methods to protection yourself from identity theft.
Types of Identity Theft
Identity theft can occur in many different forms since there are a wide range of personal identification numbers and documents for every registered citizen of the US. When opting to steal your money, thieves may choose to attack you through “account takeover” or “application fraud.”
Account takeover occurs when the perpetrator manages to obtain your current bank account information and use it for his or her own personal spending. Application fraud occurs when another individual opens a new account in your name with your personal information, like your social security number.
Prevention Steps
There are a number of steps that you can take in order to best protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. Always keep a tight hold on your wallet or billfold when in a public area. Criminals who manage to steal these items have access to a plethora of personal information, such as credit card numbers and your driver’s license.
Also, make sure that you shred all credit card receipts and new credit card applications. Finally, ensure that your personal computer is firewalled and well-protected against hackers.
Contact Us
If you have been accused of or charged with identity theft, you will need a strong defense lawyer to defend and protect you. Please contact San Jose criminal defense attorney Daniel Jensen, P.C. today at 408-296-4100 to learn more about how he can help you.
