10 Simple Tips to Protect Against Identity Theft

Information Security for You and Your Business

1. WHO IS GATHERING YOUR INFORMATION AND HOW/WHY IS IT BEING USED?

Don’t share any business/personal information unless you are certain that it is safe to do so, especially bank  account numbers, PPS numbers and DOB's.

2. MINIMIZE CREDIT CARD USE AND WATCH YOUR BILLING CYCLE.

If the bills don’t arrive on time, contact the creditors. Keep your credit card account information in a secure place so that you can act quickly by canceling all accounts if your wallet is stolen.

3. CHECK YOUR ACCOUNT REGULARLY.

Use online banking facilities to detect any unusual activity rather than wait for your monthly statement.

4. GUARD YOUR POST FROM THEIVES.

Install a secure post box in your home or business.  Allowing strangers access your unsecured post box is like leaving your front door open to an identity thief.

5. DON’T CARRY AROUND YOUR PPS CARD OR NUMBER.

Never share your PPS number unless yiu are certain that it is required. There is no law requiring you to provide your PPS number with a retail store. If a clerk won’t take your check without your PPS number, ask for a manager or walk away without buying.

6. MIND YOUR CHECKBOOK.

Never presign cheques in your chequebook.

7. CHANGE OF ADDRESS.

When moving home or business sit down and consider all organisations who shold be informed of the move. Draw up a list of organisations yoiu have shared you personal/business information with and inform those organisations of yiur new contact details. Request that you correspondance is forwaded to your nes address and follow up periodically with the new tennants in your old building.

8. KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH ONLINE.

Identity thieves have hijacked even the most reputible Web sites such as EBay and PayPal and directed customer monies to their own accounts. Always do your online business with a reputable body that you are familiar with or has been recommended to you by someone you trust.

9. DESTROY

Credit card reciepts, credit offers and any documentation with confidential information contained in it. Destroy old records securely by shredding with your own personal shredder or contracting a document destruction company like Cyclone Shredding to do it for you.

10. FIND OUT WHO HAS ACCESS TO YOUR PERSONNEL RECORDS AT WORK.

Verify that the records are secure and only accessible to those authorised to see them. These records contain  spousal information, PPS numbers, dates of birth and other information valuable to identity thieves. Identity theft is very serious issue and is on the rise in Ireland.

These simple steps for personal identity protection can lower your the risk of becoming a victim.

For more information on how to best protect your personel/business identity call Cyclone Sredding on 1800 30 30 66.

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Cyclone Shredding