Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Understanding the Risk of Identity Theft
A person’s identity can be stolen in a number of ways — and most victims don’t even realize it until months or years later. Identity thieves can use stolen information to purchase homes, cars, or obtain credit under your name. Once discovered, it can take a great deal of time and effort to repair your credit history. Here are some effective ways to protect yourself from identity theft.
Be Careful on Social Media
With social networking websites like Facebook, many people share too much personal information online. Set your privacy settings to the highest level and avoid sharing details such as your exact birthdate or anything that could be used to answer a security question. Never post information like your mother’s maiden name, childhood address, or other private data that scammers can use to access your accounts.
Keep Your Anti-Virus Software Updated
Always maintain up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer. Limit the amount of financial information you store on your personal devices. When logging in to financial websites, never save your passwords — even if your browser offers to remember them. Decline this option to keep your data secure.
Protect Your Financial Documents
Keep important financial documents such as tax forms, mortgage records, and insurance papers stored safely. Any documents you no longer need but that contain personal or financial information should be shredded before disposal. Also, shred any credit card offers or financial solicitations you receive in the mail to prevent fraudsters from misusing them.
Secure Your Online Connection
Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is password-protected at all times. Hackers can easily access unsecured networks and steal sensitive information. Avoid doing online banking or financial transactions on public or unsecured Wi-Fi connections. Always monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly to catch any suspicious activity early.
Getting a Loan After Identity Theft
If your identity has been stolen, obtaining a loan can be difficult since your credit history may be damaged. However, there are still options available. A car title loan from Embassy Loans of Florida is one solution. These loans are based on the title and value of your vehicle, not your credit history. If you own your car and need access to quick cash, a title loan can provide the financial support you need while you work on rebuilding your credit.
If identity theft has affected your credit and you need fast financial relief, Embassy Loans can help. Call us today at (833) 839-2274 or visit our website to apply for a secure car title loan in as little as one hour.
