Identity Theft Protection

Archive for August, 2008

For internet newbies who sometimes do not understand how it works often think that internet identity theft is the biggest threat they face when it comes to this crime.  In truth though, internet identity theft happens much less than you may think.

Doing business online is usually a safer bet than doing business in person, on the phone or than getting paper statements in the mail and sending checks by return post.  There are several reasons for this and once you understand how the internet works then you may better understand why internet identity theft happens less than you would think.

The main reason the internet is safer is because computers have no interest in internet identity theft. When you pay something online or log into your bank account online to check your balance etc. there is no interaction with a person. Everything is done via a computer and nothing is seen by a person. This takes away the temptation and risk of identity theft where as when you pay your bill in a local restaurant; do you know who you are handing your credit card to? Do you know for a fact they are not copying down the details? Computers you can trust, people you can not.

If your bank allows you to opt out of receiving bank statements through the post, take them up on the offer, it’s a lot safer checking your account online than having the details posted you where they come in contact with several people before sitting in your unlocked mail box waiting to be collected.

Internet identity theft is a lot less common than you think. The real danger online is people attempting to trick you into supplying personal details.