Internet Identity Theft
The internet has made doing business online the norm these days, with many people opting to pay their bills and shop on the web. However, this development has also greatly increased the opportunity for criminals to access your personal information, such as bank and credit card statements. Protecting yourself from identity theft is a much more complicated process these days than simply shredding canceled checks.
Ways to Avoid Being a Victim
Follow some of the steps below to keep from being the victim of internet criminals, whose actions can seriously affect your credit score and cause endless amounts of stress:
- Always be wary of giving out personal information - the obvious starting point, this seemingly simple piece of advice nevertheless goes unheeded. It takes only the slightest lack of caution for a criminal to capitalize.
- Only submit credit card numbers over websites that are both secure and with a solid reputation. Look for icons such as a padlock to help confirm security. If you have any hesitancy about the site’s reputation, contact your local branch of the Better Business Bureau.
- Be wary of any transactions based out of or overseen by foreign countries. Fraud across international boundaries is infinitely harder to prosecute than domestic cases.
- Thoroughly research any investment opportunity handled over the web.
- Remain skeptical about any claims from foreign heads of state or public officials promising substantial monetary rewards for your “cooperation.”
- When purchasing items, use a credit card, as these transactions are easier to dispute, and try to obtain a physical address for the company or individual with whom you are dealing.
Contact Us
If you have been the victim of online identity theft and are now facing serious financial issues, contact the South Florida bankruptcy lawyers of Eric N. Klein, P.A. at 561-353-2800 to explore your options during this difficult time.