6 clear signs that you're a target of identity theft

Virtually everything around us is digitized and connected. This brings tremendous benefits but also numerous downsides. Every time you’re browsing the internet, chances are you’re sharing personal information. Have you ever thought about what happens to your personal information if it gets into the wrong hands?

We’ve all experienced getting weird emails, phone calls or messages from an unknown person or company at some point. People share their personal information everywhere, and it’s not surprising given that identity theft is a growing problem.

Protecting and keeping sensitive information safe doesn’t require specialized knowledge or expensive software; a few habits can keep you and your personal information safe from identity thieves. Here are six clear signs someone is trying to extract your data for their financial gain, and the ways in which you can protect yourself.

Related: 7 most common types of identity theft

1. Getting emails claiming you won the main prize

Getting weird emails claiming you won the main prize of a contest you’ve never participated in? This method is very prevalent among cybercriminals. The email usually contains a link that points to a spammy looking website, where you will be required to share your sensitive information in order to receive the prize.

Always check the source of received emails and be extra cautious when sharing your personal information. When buying online, be sure to use trusted and reliable services that use a secure socket layer (SSL).

2. You’re redirected to a fake website that looks like a real one

Fake websites tend to have identical offers similar to that of a genuine website but with discounted prices or extra services, like overnight or free shipping. Users are required to share their sensitive information to proceed with the order.

There are multiple ways to spot fake websites and protect your personal and financial information from scammers:

• Special prices that sound too good to be true;
• Overnight and free delivery;
• Shallow social media presence featuring a few reviews and new accounts;
• No contact or business information available;
• The website doesn’t use SSL;
• Mistyped URL; and
• Unclear return policy.

3. Stolen personal items

Did you know that more than 25,000 pickpocket cases were reported in Belgium in 2018? Wallets, phones and other technology provide thieves with an abundance of personal and financial information. Keep your belongings close to you and be extra careful when walking around busy places since pickpocketing usually occurs in a chaotic environment.

If your belongings are stolen, you should act as quickly as possible. File a report to the local police department, freeze bank accounts, delete data and lock your devices remotely. Don’t forget to change all of your passwords to disable a thief’s access to your information.

Related: HSB: Identity theft risk increases with smartphone ownership

4. Attachment in an email from an unknown sender

Similar to claiming you’ve won a prize, mail attachments represent a serious threat to your personal information. Don’t open attachments from unknown senders without scanning for viruses or malware. Identity thieves leverage attachments to get access to your information through malware, keyloggers and other malicious software.

Before opening any attachment, be sure to check who’s the sender. One further step is to install third-party antivirus software that scans attachments before downloading. Norton, Comodo or AVG offer reliable protection from data leaks through an email attachment.

5. Surveys through a phone call

Getting a phone call from a person who pretends to represent a legitimate business can potentially lead to identity theft. The scammer usually asks a question or two related to your personal or financial information claiming it’s for an official survey conducted by a company or bank. Targets are usually older people who are not proficient technology users and blindly believe “trusted” organizations.

Never share your personal information through the phone. Instead, call the organization and check if the survey is legitimate. If you think you shared your information with the scammer, make sure to call your bank and freeze your accounts immediately.

Related: Let’s reclaim automated calls from robocall spammers

6. Dumpster diving

Who would think that identity theft can occur by using documents you’ve thrown in the garbage? Various important documents are sent through the post office and people usually throw them away after completing a specific action. The problem arises as these documents contain personal information that can end up in the wrong hands after being thrown in the garbage.

Don’t throw away documents containing your personal information such as utility bills, bank statements or medical documents. Separate all documents containing your personal information and burn it or store it securely after completing the required action.

Identity theft is a real and growing problem

Raise your guard and always be extra cautious when sharing your personal information with anyone. Protect your devices and double-check all details if you’re doing any online transactions. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Related: Americans and identity theft: 8 things insurers should know

Tony Tomov (tony@checkthem.com) works at CheckThem, a company for online background checks and public records. The views expressed here are the author’s own.