Most of us are aware about identity theft by now.  We take simple precautions like shredding papers before throwing them and using anti-virus software on our computers.  However we continue to show of our identity in other places.  This may be done inadvertently but the damage is done anyway.

You will be surprised to realize the ways in which we show of our identity -

1.    Listing in the local telephone directory – When you get listed in the directory of your area, it may be a harmless thing for you.  In fact without doing anything, you get listed in these directories.  You need to pay a small fee to get unlisted!

There is a risk involved these days in this simple looking thing.  An identity thief may approach to the local post office with your name and address, requesting a change of address.  In this way, he will be able to reroute your mails to an address of his choice.  Even if this is done for a short period, strategic correspondence relating to your bank, credit cards, insurance, mortgage and utility bills may go in his hands.  Sometimes thieves use this information to search other public records to get more details about you.  Then they may be able to misuse your identity putting you in enormous loss.

2.    Entering your account number on checks – When you pay utility bills, you may enter your utility account number in memo lines as a habit.  In fact this is not required at all.  Giving two numbers relating to you at one place is dangerous -the thief will have your bank account number as well as the utility account number.  If the check is stolen, or goes into wrong hands, there is a strong possibility of its misuse.

3.    Printing of the number of your driving license on checks – You may be asked to show some proof of identification like your driver’s license when you write checks. You get annoyed sometimes and order printing the number of your driving license on your checks.  Sometimes, you may print your phone number on checks.

If your check is stolen, a thief is able to get multiple IDs, and on that basis he may be able to open a new account in your name, which may lead to a new level of fraud!

4.    Writing unnecessary information on forms – You may be required to fill in a lot of forms in your routine.  The office of a doctor, school or even a supermarket will request you to fill in their form.  Remember, you are giving out valuable information about your identity in most of these forms.  Try to assess the need of information to the concerned person or institution.  If a supermarket is asking your social security number for entering your details on their mailing list, that is giving away unnecessary information.  If someone uses this information for wrong purposes, you may soon become a victim.

5.    Using ATM machines which are not operated by a bank – You may be tempted to use ATM facility near your office or near a supermarket.  This facility may not be operated by the bank.  Such ATM machines are more likely to get tempered.  Thieves may install a skimmer or similar device on those machines to take out your details.  Always avoid using ATM machines which are not operated by a bank.

6.    Using your debit card frequently – Many people use their debit cards freely everywhere.  Remember, every time you use your debit card, the machine will store information about your account number and pin code.  If a savvy identity thief is able to hack the system, he will have instant access to your account!

7.    Throwing your junk mail negligently – If you are staying in an apartment, all the mailboxes may be located at the entrance.  While taking out your letters from the mail box, you may find it very convenient to throw junk mail in the nearby garbage bin.  Some thieves may be searching these bins.  They can get your important details very easily.

About 10 million people are affected by identity theft every year.  You can’t do much once the damage is done. Every precaution you take in advance will frustrate the identity thief and he may leave you to proceed to some other soft target.

You get restless and annoyed when you suspect that someone has accessed and misused your personal details. The financial pain which comes thereafter is unbearable. There are many thieves operating all over. How to avoid their traps? Chintamani Abhyankar provides useful tips to protect your identity.

Chintamani Abhyankar, is an expert in the field of finance and taxation for last 25 years. He has written many books explaining inside secrets of the magic world of finance. His famous eBook Stop donating your money to IRS which is now running in its second edition, provides intricate knowledge and tips on personal finance.