Protecting yourself from identity theft is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your family, or your business. Because identity theft is on the rise, more and more Americans are having their identities stolen each year. These thefts can usually be prevented through simple measures taken to make sure your information remains safe and in your hands, but there are occasions in which the theft happens via retailers with unsecure [Read More]
Identity Theft Cost
Service |
Our Review |
ID Theft Guarantee |
Free Trial |
Price |
Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Family Plan |
$1,000,000 |
1 month |
$7.01/mo |
|
 |
Most Popular | $1,000,000 |
1 month |
$9.00/mo |
|
 |
Trusted Brand | $1,000,000 |
1 month |
$9.95/mo |
|
 |
Top Security | 100% Recovery |
1 month |
$12.00/mo |
|
 |
Most Features | $1,000,000 |
1 month |
$17.99/mo |
Identity Theft Defined
Identity theft is defined as a crime in which a culprit obtains the personal identifying information of someone else without their knowledge or permission. The culprit will then use this information for a wide range of purposes resulting in financial gain. The different kinds of information that can become stolen include a social security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, place of birth, and even name or address.
Once a criminal has someone else's information, they can use it to open up new bank accounts, take out a loan, create a credit card account, write fraudulent checks, obtain employment under your name causing you to pay the taxes, and even receive medical services and aid under your name.
How Do Criminals Steal Personal Information?
No one ever thinks they will become the victim of identity theft. You may think that if you care careful not to give your information out over the phone and limit your online purchases you are safe. The truth of the matter is that no one is safe. These criminals who are stealing identities are professional and leave no one behind. They can steal your identity even if you do everything right. The most common ways they steal identities include:
-Phishing/Pharming/Hacking: Predators can steal your information online, even if you did not make any purchases. They use techniques where they create duplicate websites of your trusted organizations to lead you into entering your information to what you think is a secure site. Even just a username or password can be used to do tremendous damage. They can also find ways to install harmful software into your computer that will record everything you even type. Alternatively, predators have the ability to hack into the databases of businesses and corporations that store your information.
-Dumpster Diving: A criminal will do anything possible to get your information, including rummaging through the trash to obtain records that may have your information. Once in their hands, there is no limit to the amount of damage that can be done. Even if you destroy all papers with your name, it is not guaranteed that businesses will do the same. Popular dumpster diving locations include pharmacies who are not always proactive about your security.
-Car Skimming Devices: Sometimes, your information can be stolen from you even when you are making a simple purchase at the store. When your card is read, there are certain devices that a criminal can use to record the information, making it accessible to them or whoever they choose to sell it to. Once they gain access to your credit or debit account number, you are in danger.
-Pretexting: This is where a thief will get your information using false pretenses. They will pose as someone you trust and get you to divulge your information thinking it is from a trusted source. This occurs through the telephone, email, and even in person.
What You Can Do
The best thing you can do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft is to enlist the help of a professional id theft protection service. This way, you can rest assured that your identity is safe and should something go wrong, you are covered. Use this site to help you evaluate all the features and decide which best meets your needs. It will be the best investment you will ever make.