Identity theft is a popular topic. Most tips to keep you safe focus on your online habits. These are always important but there are a few things you can at home to keep your information safe. Most identity theft is caused from a stolen wallet or checkbook, but might as well take these few simple steps just in case.
Here are 5 ways to keep your identity safe from home:
Here are 5 ways to keep your identity safe from home:
Get a Shredder
You likely already know this, but the question is how often do you use it? You need to shred all documents and junk mail containing any identifying information before throwing them in the recycle bin. Credit card offers, bank statements and the like all need to go in the shredder. When it doubt, shred it.
Password Protect Your Network
It can be a pain to have a password on your home network. When you have guest it can be hard to share the password quickly, you have enough passwords to remember as it is! However inconvenient this may feel, it will protect your information. Hackers have the ability to read open networks and access information you wouldn’t expect. Set a password you can remember and keep yourself safe.
Clean Out Your Wallet
This won’t protect your while you’re at home, but is a project to tackle while you’re home. If you carry unnecessary information in your wallet, think social security card, passport or a rarely used checkbook, it’s time to take them out. If you lose your wallet or have it stolen your identity will be more at risk. Take about 10 minutes to clean out your wallet, leaving only the basics. Find a safe space to store everything else.
Stop Junk Mail
The influx of junk mail into your house may feel inevitable, but you do have some control over what shows up in your mailbox. If you receive a lot of credit card offers, look for a phone number on the back and call to be removed from the list. This will be a big undertaking but eventually less mail will be showing up in your mailbox. This means less to shred and fewer places with your information printed. So pick up the phone.
Check Your Insurance
Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer coverage for money or credit card theft meaning you are only responsible for the deductible instead of all the fun the thieves had. Some insurance companies are now offering coverage for identity theft. Contact your homeowner insurance carrier to see if they offer this product to further keep yourself safe.
Now you can rest easy knowing your personal information is safe.
You likely already know this, but the question is how often do you use it? You need to shred all documents and junk mail containing any identifying information before throwing them in the recycle bin. Credit card offers, bank statements and the like all need to go in the shredder. When it doubt, shred it.
Password Protect Your Network
It can be a pain to have a password on your home network. When you have guest it can be hard to share the password quickly, you have enough passwords to remember as it is! However inconvenient this may feel, it will protect your information. Hackers have the ability to read open networks and access information you wouldn’t expect. Set a password you can remember and keep yourself safe.
Clean Out Your Wallet
This won’t protect your while you’re at home, but is a project to tackle while you’re home. If you carry unnecessary information in your wallet, think social security card, passport or a rarely used checkbook, it’s time to take them out. If you lose your wallet or have it stolen your identity will be more at risk. Take about 10 minutes to clean out your wallet, leaving only the basics. Find a safe space to store everything else.
Stop Junk Mail
The influx of junk mail into your house may feel inevitable, but you do have some control over what shows up in your mailbox. If you receive a lot of credit card offers, look for a phone number on the back and call to be removed from the list. This will be a big undertaking but eventually less mail will be showing up in your mailbox. This means less to shred and fewer places with your information printed. So pick up the phone.
Check Your Insurance
Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer coverage for money or credit card theft meaning you are only responsible for the deductible instead of all the fun the thieves had. Some insurance companies are now offering coverage for identity theft. Contact your homeowner insurance carrier to see if they offer this product to further keep yourself safe.
Now you can rest easy knowing your personal information is safe.