The Effect of a Lost Security Card on Identity Theft

Credit card identity theft statistics are alarming and under current economic conditions they are becoming even worse. Criminals are obtaining credit in someone else’s name usually because they are out of work or have bad credit, but this is not the only reason; sometimes it is just the thrill of the game. What can we do about it?

Your Social Security Number is a Prime Target for Criminals

Most people know the importance of protecting their social security information, but unfortunately not everyone takes this precaution. Your identity theft with social security number and identity theft go hand in hand because the thief needs this information in order to obtain and compromise your identity. When you make the effort to protect this information from thieves you dramatically reduce your vulnerability to identity theft. Some of the things you can do include the following:

• Never carry your social security card with you unless you are going to need it
• When not in use lock your social security card and any documents that contain your social security number in a secure and locked place (such as a home safe or bank lock box)
• Never include your social security number on your resume especially if you post it online
• Do not use your social security number as a login name or password
• If you apply for credit online and need to supply your social security number make sure it is a secure site as indicated by https and/or a closed lock at the bottom of the web page

For more information about protecting your social security number from potential thieves visit Legal-Yogi .

A Lost Social Security Card Opens Opportunities for Identity Theft

If you lose your social security card you need to immediately report it to the social security office. While the problem used to be a simple one of just replacing the card, in today’s market when there is a potential for financial hardship because of the effect of a lost social security card on identity theft, it may be necessary for that number to be blocked from use in order to avoid any potential problems. While this can be inconvenient, it may be the best method to ensure protection for the owner of that social security number.

Prevention of Identity Theft

There are many ways a person can prevent ID theft, but the short version is to protect all your personal information and report any discrepancies. Do not rely on your credit card companies or bank to report things for you; you can only be sure the task is complete when you do it yourself.

Your social security number and identity theft go together because the identity thief needs this information in order to access other types of personal information. The effects of a lost social security card on identity theft can be enormous, and even more so since people may not notice a lost card right away. Credit card identity theft statistics is an area of great importance as it shows us whether our efforts to prevent ID theft are working. 

Id Theft Protection

I've worked with computers for years, since the early eighties. I keep abreast of every changing detail in the tech world, and even I am beginning to feel left behind by some of the newest advances. Still, I am well aware of the nefarious nature of computer technology as well. Though it has presented some wonderful capabilities that most of us would never want to live without, it has also made us vulnerable to cyber crime. Although I do not take part, I know how easy it is for the computer savvy to work their way around the internet and track other people's private information. If I really wanted to I could probably figure out the password to your email and go snooping around. The tech criminals out there have software designed to construct code busters that give them an immense amount of power that can be used for very bad things. Always be on the lookout for criminal activity when dealing with private and sensitive information on the internet.

Criminal identity theft is perhaps your biggest concern in modern times when dealing with cyber crime in general. Identity theft in the past involved stealing personal information somehow and pretending to be someone else. It was fairly straightforward before computers, so it was easier to avoid. Now it is very difficult to make all of your purchases with cash and in person. 

Electronic money transfers may even be more common now than the use of cash at many establishments. How often do you go out to eat and slip the waitress a credit card only to see her disappear for five minutes with it while she runs it through a machine? How long would it take someone to write your information down with that card and use it to make purchases online at a later date without you having any knowledge until the bill came in? Think of the times where perhaps you threw garbage away that may have contained your social security information on it or tax information. By dumpster diving someone who has obtained your social security number can then go online and set up their own credit card account under your name and begin make all sorts of purchases under your line of credit. They can even buy a house and take out loans! How can you avoid social security number and identity theft?

- Keep track of all your accounts at all times. Monitor your statements and credit score.

- Never let your credit card out of sight.

- Shred your mail before throwing it out. Especially personal information.

- Change online passwords regularly. Preferably once a month.

- Never use account information online unless it is a secured site.

Even by following this advice you may become a victim so it is important to have instant access to a social security identity theft form. A good website to find this and more help dealing with the wide range of identity theft is legal-yogi . They are experts and will lead you to the right people who can help protect and advise you.