identity theft

Fear

Fear

Fear mongering about "privacy and identity theft" is largely industry hype designed to break into your wallet. I am not saying that identity theft doesn't occur, but that it occurs in ways that aren't made safer by using software products sold to protect your privacy. Nor does it usually occur from your computer. Relax.  Here's all you need to do:


    a. Treat EVERY call or prompt to call a company that you do not initiate, as a scam. Hangup. If they pose as a financial institution, find the phone number yourself from the company website, not Google, not your caller ID. If you are being made to feel anxious and it seems like an emergency, you are moments from being scammed. Hang up. Continue your day.
    b. Give out your personal information as little as possible online. (this is key)
    c. Learn how people voluntarily give their identity away.
    d. Setup your credit or debit card to send you a text for every transaction.  
    e. Make sure your anti-virus and firewall is current and effective (see above).