How To Secure Your Online Identity
Every day millions of Internet users enter confidential information into websites, can you be sure every one of these companies is 100% legitimate? even the ones that are can sometimes be hacked and all your details discovered.
There are a number of methods you can use to help prevent identity fraud however even the most careful people can still be victims, this is why it's important to monitor your credit score - any attempt to use your details and social security number will trigger an alert.
Some basic guidelines to prevent online fraud affecting you
1. Shred Any unwanted paper documents that come through the post that have any identifying information on them - never simply throw them in the trash. An old credit card statement can be all a criminal needs to take out a loan in your name.
2. Install antivirus on your PC - there are a huge number of rogue programs that pop up on your screen and pretend to be anti virus informing you that your PC is infected - DO NOT BUY THESE - they are not legitimate, these simply capture the credit card details you provide which are then used by criminal gangs.
3. Sign up to a credit checking and protection program - they will monitor your credit rating and checks for you so you will be alerted if there is any activity.