Though technology has undeniably improved the overall quality of life of humans through advancements in healthcare, travel, education communication, and many more areas, it’s no secret that, like anything, there are negatives associated with this technological boom. One of the most impactful crimes on the rise is identity theft, with a considerable number of these crimes being perpetrated online and through technology. As such, doing what you can to secure your identity and prevent theft before it happens is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and how a San Diego County identity theft lawyer can assist if you have any issues or believe you are a victim.
How Does Identity Theft Happen?
Identity theft occurs any time someone uses the information and personal details of another person to open accounts, take out loans, make large purchases, or even commit crimes.
Unfortunately, due to the number of ways in which our information is used, there are several ways in which someone can access the personal information of another person. These include hacking, data breaches, phone scams, phishing scams, lost documents, and mail theft, among others.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Secure My Identity?
Generally, the biggest thing you can do to secure your identity is to protect your sensitive information. This means you should never provide your Social Security number or account information unless you are positive that the person on the other end of the line is someone who should have access to this information.
Additionally, you should stay alert to scams and phishing ploys that look to steal your information. A phishing scam occurs when someone emails or texts you pretending to be a legitimate company, like your bank or credit card company. They will copy the template of emails to make them look realistic and provide “log-in” links where to steal your password. If you get any email that looks suspicious, you should contact the company through their legitimate website to verify the communication before providing information.
Finally, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself is very simple. You should turn on two-factor authentication for your accounts. This provides additional security to ensure that you are the person trying to access the account by sending a validation code to your phone. Without access to your phone, someone trying to log into your account, even with a username and password, would be unable to enter the account.
Despite efforts to secure your identity, hackers are constantly finding new ways to circumvent security measures and access accounts. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced identity theft victim attorney who can assist you in recovering your identity and pursuing justice if your information has been compromised. At Barthel Legal, we understand how complicated these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to assisting you through these matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can help if your identity is compromised.
