How to Avoid Identity Theft after the Massive Equifax Data Breach
How ID Theft Protection Services work
A large portion of fraud monitoring is automated. The identity protection service should conduct searches of dangerous websites to ensure that your information is not being traded illegally. If the automated system does find instances of fraud, you should be alerted.
Credit card fraud (not saying debit card fraud should go ignored) is one of the most popular forms of fraud where criminals attempt to use lost or stolen credit cards, steal important information from your mailbox or trash, or access your personal records in order to open or use credit in your name. It's important to obtain detailed credit reports from the main credit bureaus so you can thoroughly review your accounts for any signs of fraudulent activity.
Other types of fraud include medical and insurance fraud. Having identity theft insurance monitoring on the lookout for fraudulent activity in your name along with access to efficient and professional restoration systems around the clock will offer solutions to damaged caused by thieves if your credit is stolen.
To protect your information, you need monitoring, but you also need another couple layers of protection: anti-virus software and anti-keylogging software, which will help prevent identity theft.
Keeping Sensitive Information Protected is Paramount
Check thoroughly that the service monitors the use of your Social Security, credit card number, debit card number, bank accounts, telephone, email, name, driver license number info, and other information that could be used to steal your identity.
Some services also monitor other forms of information like public records, internet information connected to you, payday loans in your name and even sex offenders in your area.
When you think about all the sensitive information you share in confidence each day that could potentially become misused, it can be overwhelming. This is why it's advantageous to enlist a professional to protect all of your information and provide you with additional services and software protection so you can have peace-of-mind and little work to do on your end.
