Different Types of Identity Theft Attacks

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

According to myFICO, someone becomes a victim of identity theft every 2 seconds - pretty alarming, isn't it? Identity theft refers to when someone steals your personal information and uses it without having been granted permission by you, and it can seriously hurt your current financial state. That said, we feel it is extremely important to provide you with the tips and information you need to keep yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft, starting by sharing insight into the different types of identity theft attacks:

Dumpster Diving
Dumpster diving refers to the act of going through both your trash cans and maybe even public dumpsters in search of documents that include your personal information. Common documents that these people seek are bills (credit card bills, utility bills, etc) and bank statements. 

Shoulder Surfing
Shoulder surfing refers to the act of someone watching you while you complete certain tasks that offer up your personal information. For example, they may watch you put in your PIN number at the ATM or listen to phone conversations where you give your credit card information. If you ever feel that someone is standing too close to you while you're at the bank, paying for something via credit card or when talking on the phone in public, either walk away, ask them to move back, or ask them to go first (if you're both at the ATM, for example).

Hacking
Technology may have changed our lives for the better, but it also makes it easier for people to access our information - specifically hackers. These kinds of people can install certain programs and softwares on your computers, smartphones and tablets in order to get the information you store. That said, you must be careful if you bank or shop online.

Phishing
Sending emails that seem legitimate is a common strategy used by identity thieves - they'll send you an email pretending to be someone else (such as a business or institute that you already trust) and ask for more information. Email isn't the only way people do this, though - they may also call, text or send mail that encourages you to share personal information.

Stealing
Stealing your wallet and/or purse for the purpose of getting your credit cards, driver's license and other personal documents is one way of getting your information, but there's something else people may steal - your mail. If you haven't gone paperless, you need to be checking your mail every day to make sure important paperwork isn't left outside for anyone to grab. Additionally, be smart about what you keep in your wallet/purse - no social security cards!

As you can see, there are multiple ways that people go about stealing identities, so you must be extremely cautious with how you handle your personal information. One of the best tips we can offer? Shred everything. When you're ready to discard financial documents you no longer need, your best bet is to shred it so that the information is no longer legible.

For more tips and information on identity theft, please give us a call at (516) 932-5130 or email info@americaninvestmentplanners.com.