Identity theft is no joke. Several years ago, someone stole my purse. I called my bank and cancelled my credit cards. But the thief was quicker than I was. They robbed me of almost $5,000. They ruined my credit. They stole my identity. They violated me. It took me almost two years to get the mess straightened out.
Two decades ago, thieves were able to access my accounts in a few hours. With today’s technology, they can hack into your personal data within minutes. They can be opening new accounts and ruining your credit within the hour. That scares me. How about you? Luckily, with technology, we can fight fire with fire. With some common sense and these tips, you can learn how to protect yourself from identity theft:
Tips For Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
- Passwords: I made the mistake of choosing passwords that were too easy to decipher. Our banker told us to choose a password that is a mixture of letters, numbers and special characters. He recommended a 16 character password. He also said we should change it every 30 days.
- Credit Report: You get one free credit report per year. Our banker suggested we check our credit report twice a year. It is worth the small fee to have peace of mind. This is a great tool to protect yourself from identity theft. If anything seems amiss, report it immediately.
- Be Aware: A few days ago, my friend was at the grocery store. While she was paying for her food in the Self Checkout area, she noticed a man leaning into her personal space. She asked him to step back and he bolted from the store. THIEF! This can happen when you use the internet at a cafe or similar situations. Always be on your guard.
- Security Software: I used to think this was a waste of money. Yeah. Until my computer got hit with malware. My hard drive crashed and I lost EVERYTHING. Pictures. Documents. All gone. It cost me almost $200 to replace the hard drive and install a good security software. My recommendation is Norton Security Deluxe.
Had I invested in the Norton Security Deluxe a few months ago, I would still have pictures from Henry’s 15th birthday. Now that I have it, I realize what peace of mind a good security software offers. That my friends is priceless. And with the company offering a free, 60-day trial, you cannot afford not to try it!
I hate going to the mall, so I shop online a LOT. I love the freedom of shopping and banking online and knowing my transactions and identity are protected. By having the Norton Security Deluxe software, my devices are safeguarded from viruses, spyware, malware and online threats.
Oh, and if the kids try and download a crazy game from a sketchy site, Norton has me covered there too! They block infected and dangerous downloads! I trust the Norton Security Deluxe software because they are better and faster than the other guys. And if your computer gets slow and sluggish? Norton can help clean up your hard drive and free up some extra space!
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Candy says
Making sure you are secure is so important now a days. Can never be to careful. Great information you have given.
Pam says
There’s some good tips here. People don’t realize how quickly this can happen.
Jacqui S says
Norton is a good brand to use. I use another one, but as you said, teens love to download things from different sites. It’s hard to keep your online life safe from that.
Natalie says
That is very scary indeed – so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing your tips, I will certainly be putting them to use.
CourtneyLynne says
Oooo some great tips here!!! I had a friend have all of her info stolen before and she lost a lot of money because of it. Such a terrible thing to happen.
Ave says
Identity theft sounds really scary! I really appreciate all the tips you are sharing! I would have never thought of changing my banking passwords every 30 days. Have to keep that in mind!
Echo says
I think being careful and monitoring your own information is the best advice! You will notice faster, if something looks wrong or wasn’t done by you!
KATHY MYERS says
I have Norton on all of my computers. I am very concerned about someone stealing our info. I love knowing I am protected!!
Cat says
The idea of having my identity stolen is so scary! But at the same time, I am in so much debt so it may feel like a relief that it becomes someone’s elses problem haha #jk #kindof
Audrey McClelland says
These are all excellent tips. It is crazy how easily and how FAST someone can steal your identity. It’s not just credit card theft anymore!
Jennifer says
Identity theft is such a horrible thing these days. It used to be as easy as not letting anyone get a hold of your social security number, but now everybody and his brother can steal your identity if they feel like it.
Connie says
This is such a scary topic for me. I had a friend get her identity stolen. What a mess. Great information. Thanks for the tips.
Emma Spellman says
I have heard a lot of great things about Norton. It seems to getting worse these days, so it is definitely something I need to look into. You can never be too safe!
Heather says
Norton is great! You definitely need internet security if you want to be safe. I’m sorry about your identity being stolen. That’s the worst thing to happen. I’ve heard it really can take years to turn your credit around.
Becky says
These are really good tips. We use Norton for our protection as well. They have always been pretty reliable and we’ve never have any issue with them.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I use Norton as well and I am more than satisfied with the protection it gives me. I cannot imagine identity theft happening to me. I’m sorry it happened to you.
Crystal says
So much of the protection comes from being aware. Good to know additional ways we can monitor & keep our information secure.
carol clark says
identify theft is so common i was a victim of it once a few years back its horrible i mean its h_ll puredy i tell you you have to be safe at all cost
Bert P. says
Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!