5 ways thieves steal your identity
Thieves are getting more and more crafty by the day. Keep an eye out! Here are some ways they are able to steal your identity.
1. Watch your back
In line at the grocery store, some thieves hold their smartphone like they are looking at the screen and take a photograph of your credit card as you’re using it. Next thing you know they can order things online with your account.
2. Watch your bank account
Check your bank and credit card balances at least once a week. Identity thieves can do a lot of damage in the 30 days between monthly statements.
3. Check out ATMs before you use them
If you see something that looks like it doesn’t belong on the ATM or sticks out from the card slot, walk away. Thieves can make and install a 'skimmer' that can be used to capture your ATM card information and PIN.
4. Don't use unsecured Wi-Fi
Sure, it may be nice not to have to put in your password when you use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection, but thieves have software that can scoop up all the data your computer transmits, including your passwords and other sensitive information.
5. Tear up important documents before you throw them away