Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Dumpster Diving: A Method of Identity Theft
Obtaining information in order to steal your identity from documents discarded by your bank is an example of dumpster diving. This method involves individuals sifting through trash to find documents containing sensitive personal information that can be used to commit identity theft.
Other Techniques Used for Identity Theft
Aside from dumpster diving, there are several other techniques used by identity thieves to obtain personal information:
- Shoulder surfing: This involves looking over someone's shoulder to gain information, such as passwords or PIN numbers.
- Pretexting: Using a fabricated scenario to gain access to a person's information, such as pretending to be a bank representative to obtain account details.
- Skimming: Stealing credit/debit card information by using a device when a legitimate transaction is made, such as at an ATM or point-of-sale terminal.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
It is essential to take steps to safeguard your personal information and prevent identity theft:
- Shred sensitive documents: Shred any documents containing personal information before discarding them to prevent dumpster diving.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information: Only share personal information with trusted sources and be wary of giving out sensitive details.
- Monitor credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity, which could indicate that your identity has been compromised.