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Our privacy is very important to us. Why do we create passwords to our email accounts? Why do we assign PINs to our bank accounts? Why do we lock the door? Why do we keep vaults? The answer is simple – for privacy and safety. Keeping our personal accounts private is very important. Nowadays hackers and thieves are on the move to steal from us. The best way to help keep ourselves safe from these people is to protect our privacy. How do you protect your privacy and prevent id theft? Here are some helpful tips to guide you in maintaining your privacy.

Creating strong passwords and pins

In this modern age of technology, everyone owns a cellphone, laptop, and other gadget you can think of. These electronic devices are so powerful that they can store gigabytes of data. These data contain sensitive and private personal information about you. Your cellphone can download applications that link to your bank accounts. Most people use this feature. You can also use your laptop to make online payments. You can also use it to view the current status of your bank account. These tasks are relatively on hand on your device.

Imagine if someone else gets hold of your mobile phone or laptop. With just a click, they can easily get access to your bank or credit card accounts. The use of technological devices should come with precautions. You need to create strong passwords so that when someone gets hold of your device, you wouldn’t be vulnerable to id theft. Modern technology is one of the common causes of the rise in credit card fraud. The availability of online buying, which does not require verification of credit card users, makes it possible to commit fraud easily.

What are the best examples of passwords? Here are some of the most useful do’s and don’ts use in creating passwords:

1. Create a mix of symbols or characters, numbers, and letters in your password.
   
   
2. Do not use your birthdate, name, and other information that are relatively known about you.
   
   
3. Think of something that you can easily remember but not known to other people – e.g. name of your favorite restaurant – and add it with a number you can easily remember.
   
   
4. Do not write down the PIN at the back of your card.

Other Useful Tips

In identity theft protection, the key is to block the ways through which an id thief works. By now, you are familiar about id theft. It happens when someone uses your information to commit fraud and other crimes. Think about the documents and other things that contain your personal information. Here are some on top of the list:

1. Driver’s license
   
   
2. Social security card
   
   
3. Credit card
   
   
4. Passport
   
   
5. Bank account statements
   
   
6. Credit card statements
   
   
7. Other mails from the bank
   
   

These personal ids and documents are crucial to a thief’s crime. Preventing thieves from getting hold of these things will help prevent id theft. So how do you do it?

First, do not carry around important documents with you all the time. For example, you don’t need your social security card and passport on a daily basis. Leave it at home where it can be safely kept. Also, bring only the credit cards that you frequently use. This way, you can easily notice when your card is missing. You might not be able to keep track if you keep several credit cards on your wallet all the time.

Second, do not leave your bank or credit card statements unattended on your mailbox. Be sure to check them regularly. If you’re out of town, have someone trustworthy to pick them up for you. Also, you can call your bank to stop sending mails of invitations that may disclose your personal information. These letters contain all your account numbers. Never ever discard these letters without shredding. Thieves often start with rummaging your garbage for these statements.

Amy Johnson is an active blogger who is fond of sharing interesting finance related articles to encourage people to manage and protect their finances. Follow her on Twitter and learn more on how to make your financial life healthy.