• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
methodshop

methodshop

tech news, reviews & how to's

  • Trending
  • Latest Stories
  • Fun
  • Culture
  • Learn
  • Tech
  • Search
You are here: Home / Technology / Security / Checklist: Do You Really Need Identity Theft Services?
Hacker Anonymous
Michael Treu

Checklist: Do You Really Need Identity Theft Services?

Do you really need to spend on identity theft services or software? Let's review what you should do to shield yourself from someone who may want to steal your identity.

May 10, 2019 by James White
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0LinkedIn0

Do you really need to spend on identity theft software or services? Or can you secure your identity by simply doing things that prevent identity thieves from taking and using your information? To answer this question, let’s review the following list of things you should to do to shield yourself from someone who may want to steal your identity.

Identity Theft Protection Checklist

If you aren’t actively doing 10 or more of these items, then you should probably look into subscribing to an identity protection service.

  1. Never share your login details with anyone. If you keep your passwords in a digital file, then make sure that the file is encrypted.
  2. Secure your social security number (SSN). It’s advisable to not always carry it with you. There aren’t that many instances when you have to show your SSN to anyone.
  3. Avoid telling anyone you are not familiar with your personal details such as your birthdate, address, age, workplace, and social media accounts. Don’t present your official ID cards to anyone unless they are required for some official purpose.
  4. If you still subscribe to physical mail (aka snail mail), then make sure you collect your mail every day. Your mail can contain information about you that can be used by people with felonious intentions.
  5. Secure your smartphone. Adopt the habit of password-protecting your device even if you think you don’t have anything critical to protect.
  6. Properly discard documents or materials that have your personal information. These include your expired credit cards, account statements, invoices, receipts, and contracts.
  7. Make sure your passwords are unpredictable. Avoid passwords and PINs that are based on your personal details such as your birthdate. Also, don’t use the same password for all of your accounts.
  8. Your computers and gadgets should always have anti-malware software installed on them. It also helps to have firewalls enabled.
  9. Regularly access or monitor your online accounts. Most online accounts come with a session tracking feature, which lets you view the history of logins to an account. This will help you check if somebody is accessing your account without your permission. If you have online accounts that you no longer use, then delete them.
  10. Take advantage of two-factor authentication or 2FA. This requires more than just a password to access an account. For example, you may be required to enter a transaction password (which is sent to your mobile device) in addition to entering your password to access an account.
  11. Use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi hotspots. VPNs can prevent the sniffing of the data you submit or accept while using a hotspot.
  12. If you don’t intend to apply for any loan or credit facility, consider freezing your credit files. You can do this for free with the help of services like Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange. By freezing your credit files, nobody can use your identity to apply for any credit account.

The items listed above are just a few of the things you need to do to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft. If you are committed to doing all of them meticulously, then you probably won’t need professional identity theft protection. However, if you want convenience and a stronger guarantee that your identity won’t be stolen, even in the case of a cyber attack, then you should consider professional identity protection.

Identity Theft Services: What Should You Look For?

Many identity protection services will handle everything that’s required to secure your identity. This often includes the checklist above as well as monitoring the USPS for address changes and scanning the dark web for your personal details.

Another feature to look for is if a company offers assistance in recovering your identity if necessary. This might include reimbursement clauses, compensation for personal expenses, and fees for lawyers and experts to find and litigate identity thieves.

Do You Live In A High-Risk Identity Theft Area?

Another factor to consider when evaluating your identity protection needs is where you live. For example, residents of some US states are much more likely to fall victim to an identity attack. According to Experian, the ten states with the highest per capita rate of reported identity theft are Michigan, Florida, California, Maryland, Nevada, Delaware, Illinois, Rhode Island, Georgia, and Arizona.

Identity Theft Statistics By State (2017)
Source: experian

Budgeting For Identity Protection

Getting identity theft protection software or a service plan is a good idea, especially if it’s within your means. Subscribing to identity protection services or identity protection software often isn’t cheap, especially for plans that provide comprehensive coverage. However, if you being targeted for identity theft attacks, then it’s worth the money and extra peace of mind. Stay safe out there.

Related Articles:





  • Jimmy Kimmel Demonstrates How To Social Engineer Passwords
  • How To Secure Your Data From WiFi Hacking Attacks
  • StP-II Test Can Predict How Likely You Are to Fall for An Internet Scam
  • Snoops, Beware: Man Faces Jail Time For Breaking Into His Wife’s Email

Related Posts:

  • Startup Launch Checklist: 22 Steps to Business Success
    Startup Launch Checklist: 22 Steps to Business Success
  • Can You Really Get Free iPods From FreeiPods.com Or Is It Really Just A Scam?
    Can You Really Get Free iPods From FreeiPods.com Or…
  • Anti-Theft Lunch Bags [pic]
    Anti-Theft Lunch Bags [pic]

Facebook0Tweet0Pin0LinkedIn0
Category: Security, Internet, Software Tag: 2FA, Equifax, Experian, identity theft, malware, TransUnion, USPS, VPN, WiFi
Previous Post: « Parody Films 6 of the Funniest Parody Films Ever Made
Next Post: 5 Easy To Play Online Games That Are Highly Popular Woman In Bed With Laptop »

Sidebar

Trending Now

  • 5 Easy Elevator Hacks That Will Help Give You An Express Ride5 Easy Elevator Hacks That Will Help Give You An Express Ride
  • The 25 Weirdest Statues And Sculptures From Around The WorldThe 25 Weirdest Statues And Sculptures From Around The World
  • 30 Best Spinal Tap Quotes That All Rock Fans Should Know30 Best Spinal Tap Quotes That All Rock Fans Should Know
  • 7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google's Cameras7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google’s Cameras
  • 20 Silly 90s Fads That Were Cool Then, But Definitely Aren't Now20 Silly 90s Fads That Were Cool Then, But Definitely Aren’t Now
  • 10 Naked Sunbathers Busted By Google Earth10 Naked Sunbathers Busted By Google Earth
  • 20 Famous People Who Are Members Of The Sleepless Elite20 Famous People Who Are Members Of The Sleepless Elite
  • Controversial Nimbus 2000 Vibrating Harry Potter Broomstick Has Parents In An UproarControversial Nimbus 2000 Vibrating Harry Potter Broomstick Has Parents In An Uproar
  • 30 Of The Best Goonies Quotes30 Of The Best Goonies Quotes
  • 25 Colorful Quint Jaws Quotes From The 1975 Blockbuster Film25 Colorful Quint Jaws Quotes From The 1975 Blockbuster Film

Categories

The Creation: Baby Yoda

10 Stunning Pieces Of Star Wars Art: A Mashup Of Famous Paintings And Characters From Star Wars

Big Lebowski Quotes

The 15 Best Big Lebowski Quotes That Really Tie The Room Together

Pour yourself the perfect White Russian cocktail because the Dude abides. We’ve got some of the best Big Lebowski quotes for your enjoyment.



About

MethodShop’s mission is to entertain, inform, and sometimes gross you out. MethodShop has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of the revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by us. All prices are subject to change.

Latest

Big Lebowski Quotes

The 15 Best Big Lebowski Quotes That Really Tie The Room Together

Two NYC Pigeons Commit Premeditated Homicide By Pushing Another Pigeon Into An Oncoming Subway Train

Two NYC Pigeons Commit Premeditated Homicide By Pushing Another Pigeon Into An Oncoming Subway Train

Follow

MethodShop Animated Zoom Icon
  • About
  • Submit
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Store

Copyright © 2021 MethodShop · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT