Seven Unpretentious Tips for Staying Financially Safe On The Internet
Identity theft is the fastest as well as the most sophisticated crime with high estimated losses. Digital barbwires are no longer enough, because online identity thieves have now emerged with ground breaking tools and techniques for overcoming the security measures.
Basically, almost all robust security measures have proven inadequate. Identity thieves now can be successful even if they do not possess users’ credentials. The worst is that identity thieves have no boundaries as far as choosing targets is concerned. However, you can keep your online financial activities safe by using the following tips.
1. Withdraw Attempts Alerts
You are strongly advised to make use of the ‘cash withdrawal notifications’ feature. This way, you will be notified of any withdrawals from your bank account. In order for this to work to your advantage, you need to select a convenient notification method, such as app notification, email, or text message.
2. Keep Track of Your Bank Account Statements
Don’t be like most people who do not rush or bother to open their latest credit card statements. Each time you fail to check the statements, you fail to discover that your identity has been stolen. Go over your statements carefully to check for anything that might be out of place. This gives you an upper hand in handling any discrepancies.
3. Protect Your Email
As a basic rule, you never give out your email to everyone, because such information may fall into the wrong hands and it could be used to steal your identity. Never leave personal outgoing email in an unprotected office out-box. Lock your mail box if you can. In a typical day’s email, an identity thief can learn a lot to become your online nightmare.
4. Give Charity, but Be Smart About It
Giving charity is always good, particularly if you are meant to believe that your contribution is for the greater good. However, there are various fake fundraising websites with ill-intentions. In fact, most of these fundraising websites may end up using your credit card information for underhanded motives.
5. Don’t Bring Your Credit Card to Your Every Destination
You may find it convenient to carry your credit cards everywhere you go. However, it is wise to leave the ones you do not require behind. If possible, carry the one that you will use frequently and leave the rest at home. This will ensure that your cards are not lost in case you lose your wallet.
6. Frequently Change Your Password
Don’t use the same password continuously. Make a habit of changing the password every now and then. This will make it extremely difficult for identity thieves and hackers to guesstimate your passcode. If possible, use different formats each time you create a new password.
7. Don’t Give Out Personal Information
Never volunteer your personal information to surveys and subscription pages. Simply ask yourself if the required information is necessary to achieve the desired outcome. Some of the details that may appear simple yet dangerous include: marital status, number of kids, phone number, email and so on.
8. Always use encrypted connection
Use protected internet connection with strong encryption algorithms to ensure your financial data is well protected and secured from tapping and sniffing. How to do it? Simply use anonymous VPN with encrypted connection and stay safe.
