Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine | Page 21

5 Types of Identity Theft and Tips to Protect Yourself During Summer Travels By: Becky Sill, Independent Legalshield Associate www.BeckySill.com Identity theft is so much more than just your credit. Criminals have become very savvy in their ability to utilize personal identifiable information (PII) to destroy your good name. PII is broken down into 5 categories. 1. CRIMINAL – Using another person’s Personal Identifiable Information (PII) during an arrest, making you the bad guy. This would not show on a credit report. 2. SOCIAL SECURITY – Using a victim’s Social Security number to obtain employment or commit tax fraud. This could result in the victim being refused social security benefits or denied their tax return. This would not show on a credit report. 3. MEDICAL – Using another person’s PII to seek medical care and/or make medical insurance claims. You would learn about this when you received your explanation of benefits from your insurance carrier. 4. FINANCIAL – Accessing financial information or obtaining credit using some else’s ID. 5. SYNTHETIC – Using multiple victims’ ID/information to create another identity. Unfortunately, just having your credit monitored by a free credit service is simply not enough in today’s society. Be sure you are monitoring all aspects of your and your family’s identity including social security numbers, bank accounts, passports, driver’s license and everything in between. Protecting yourself starts with minimizing your risk in the first place. As you travel this summer, keep these few tips in mind: 1. Unpack before traveling. Many people carry personal information with them on a daily basis while running errands. Be sure to leave behind any extras such as social security cards, bank statements, and the like, with any personal identifiable information. Take only what you need. 2. While it’s fun to share your adventures online, refrain from posting on social media until you return. Telling the world that you aren’t home is like posting a sign on your door that says, “help yourself!’ 3. Leave personal identifiable information in a safe when you are on day trips if you won’t be keeping it on you. Don’t leave it in your vehicle. 4. Be aware of public Wi-Fi. Avoid booking hotels, excursions, etc. unless you are on a secure site. 5. Invest in an RFID blocking wallet. This will protect you from a passerby scanning what’s in your wallet. 6. When entering a PIN #, place your hand over the entire keypad to prevent a thief from using a camera to steel it. 7. Change your passwords or pin numbers when you return. You never know who is looking over your shoulder, especially in highly populated tourist areas. If you have a favorite, change your account to a temporary password before you travel so you can change it back when you return. 8. When you return, and during your trip if gone for an extended period of time, check your credit card and bank statements to make sure that there are no fraudulent charges. Safe travels! MOMENTUM / Summer 2016 21