Being at the receiving end of identity theft is never pleasant. The perils of identity theft on internet users can be far-reaching, with implications on their reputation and finances. You must employ a proactive identity verification api to prevent identity theft as an individual or business owner.
This article will help you understand how to secure online safety and forestall identity theft. But you wouldn’t want to put the cart before the horse, right? So, first, what is identity theft?
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone pilfers another person’s private information to perpetrate a crime. In the absence of consent, it entails consciously using another person’s unique information, like their name, social security number, or credit card number, to carry out fraudulent activities.
The stolen identity is usually used to attain illicit financial benefits. It may sometimes have untold repercussions on the victims regarding their image, as legal actions can be taken against them. In severe cases, the victim can significantly lose financial resources and assets. Most victims are oblivious of their predicament until calls begin to pour in from creditors or when they are declined a loan request owing to a bad credit report score.
Examples of Identity Theft
Let us consider the various ways Identity theft can happen. The perpetrators of this crime do so by:
- Stealing a person’s wallet or other similar materials like debit cards and identity cards.
- Contacting prospective victims and feigning affiliation with a legal institution.
- Obtaining personal information from internet users via false emails or websites.
How Can You Prevent Identity Theft?
Anybody can be susceptible to id theft, but there are practical ways to lower the possibility of being a victim and securing your personal information. They include:
- Guard Your Personal Information
This is, by all means, the simplest and cheapest way to protect yourself from identity thieves. Always ensure your personal information is secure, and do not be careless with sensitive information about yourself.
- Watch Your Credit Reports, Financial Institution, Debit Card, and Credit Accounts
One way to efficiently guard against identity theft is by painstakingly keeping track of your credit reports and bank statements, so you’ll be able to detect and report any suspicious activity.
- Don’t Give Away Your Personal Information Cheaply
When you are told to present sensitive information like your bank account or social security number, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t make the error of giving out such personal information carelessly.
- Digital Identity Verification
This process deals with the authentication of identities, either that of an individual or a corporation. It is simply a procedure that seeks to verify the validity of the identity of an individual or entity.
Digital identity verification is essential in tackling fraudulent activities, especially financial ones. Yet, it is also relevant in financial institutions regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) operations.
Identity theft prevention is critical in reducing the incidence of identity theft and fraud. To prevent identity theft, you must be mindful of its dangers and strictly adhere to the precautionary measures enumerated in this article. Also, do not hesitate to report any case of identity theft to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Finally, be discreet whenever you are on the internet or sign in to any site.