10 Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft [With Infographic]

Your identity is everything. It’s the one thing you must protect at all costs because getting it stolen can come with life-changing problems. At Shred Right, we’ve made it one of our goals to help individuals and companies protect identities and personal information. We do this through our shredding, destruction, and data security services, but there are steps you can take on your own to protect yourself against identity theft.

1) Know Who’s Gathering Your Information & Why It’s Being Used

Don’t share any information (bank account numbers, social security numbers, etc.) with telemarketers, even if you like their products and service. Ask them for a number so you can call them back.

2) Watch Your Billing Cycle

If your credit card bills don’t arrive on time by email or standard mail, you need to contact the creditors. A missing credit card bill could mean your invoice or payment has been stolen. Your credit card account information should be kept in a secure place to make it easy to cancel all of your accounts in case your wallet or online identity is stolen.

3) Check Your Account Regularly

Instead of waiting for your monthly statement, check your online or phone app banking options to check your accounts and spot any unusual activity.

4) Guard Your Mail Against Theft

Don’t leave mail in the mailbox overnight to be picked up. This is like leaving your front door open with a sign that reads, “Take it all.”

5) Don’t Carry Your Social Security Number

Never share your social security number unless it’s required. No law requires you to provide your social security number with a retail store.

6) Mind Your Checkbook

Never order checks preprinted with your driver’s license or social security number.

7) Know Who You’re Dealing With Online

Identity thieves have hijacked websites such as eBay and PayPal and directed customer funds to their own accounts. Always be alert!

8) Know Your Credit

Request a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every year. If there are errors, bring them to their attention immediately. Pay particular attention to any outstanding accounts that you’ve never used.

9) Don’t Put Credit Card Receipts, Credit Offers, Or Any Records With Personal Information In The Recycling Bin

One of the easiest ways for identity thieves to steal information is to go through your trash. Destroy old records.

10) Find Out How Your Personnel Records Are Secured At Work

Verify that the records are secure and only accessible to those authorized to see them. These records contain spousal information, social security numbers, dates of birth, and other information valuable to identity thieves.

If you have security questions, contact us today!

About Shred Right

Shred Right is your locally-owned leader for shredding services, product destruction, and IT asset destruction. We are AAA NAID Certified for mobile on-site and off-site shredding vault services.

Our team has worked with government agencies, financial services, health care industries, and more, consulting on standards for privacy and security. For 35 years, we’ve been trusted to manage liability and risk, and protect corporate reputations for our customers.