The media often covers data breaches and cyber attacks that reveal the personal data of large groups of people, putting them at risk of identity theft and other forms of fraud. One of the best ways to protect yourself from such digital threats is to secure your data online.
But your personal information is not only risky on the Internet; It can also be offline. There are many old ways that criminals can still access your personal information, from stealing your mail to cheating you into providing sensitive information.
Protecting your personal data is just as important in the “real world” Here’s how to help protect your identity offline.
1. Protect your sensitive information offline
You probably keep a lot of sensitive documents in your home, from Social Security cards to old tax returns to bank account statements. Don’t just leave them unprotected in drawers, protect your documents from identity theft. Instead, keep important documents out of sight and lock them in a lockbox, safe or locked filing cabinet.
Sometimes paper documents like old bills, credit card statements or tax returns are no longer useful to keep. You shouldn’t just throw them away because they can be taken out of the trash and used for fraud or theft. This is a good idea to invest in a paper Shredder to destroy old documents (At least, tear them off with your hands before you throw them away).
2. Protect your mail
Your mail may contain valuable information, including your name, address, bank account information, financial statements, and more. But many people get unsecured mailboxes in their mail that can be accessed in seconds. One of the best ways to help protect your mail from identity theft is to find a mailbox that locks or installs a lock on your existing mailbox. Alternatively, you can rent a PO Box and have your mail delivered there.
If you transfer, make sure you update your address with the post office and you have everything Mail forwarded In your new home. Provide your new address to everyone you deal with, including your bank, credit card companies, medical providers, insurers, and more.
Pieces of mail that you don’t need if it contains personal information. For outgoing mail, transfer it directly to a mail carrier or drop it to a Secure mailbox. Use security envelopes to prevent anyone from seeing what is in your mail.
3. Ask vendors about offline security
Many organizations such as medical providers store their patient information in paper form. Be sure to ask the people you deal with about security measures so they can protect your information. Do not write information that is not necessary for the business you are doing.
4. Do not volunteer personal information
Be careful on the phone and in private conversations. The person you are talking to may not be what they say they are, even if they claim to represent a company or organization you know. If someone calls you or wants information from you, call the company directly to their official line or go to a physical branch to verify the request.
5. Protect your belongings in public
Make sure you have your wallet, purse, cell phone, laptop and other items with you when you are in public. Reduce the amount of personal information you carry with you publicly – for example, your Social Security card can usually be left at home unless you need it for a specific reason.
If your belongings are stolen, report the theft to the police and other parties (for example, your credit card issuer). Also, Sign up for an identity theft protection plan So you will be notified if anyone tries to steal your identity offline or online.
