Will Identity Theft Strike Your Family?

For many housewives, the daily routine can be anything but routine.

Whether it is issues with the kids, trying to make sure one’s husband gets off to work in time for his meeting, or running their own careers while also being moms, too many housewives will tell you that their responsibility plates are running over.

That said one of the fears that housewives may at times overlook is identity theft fraud. Unfortunately, it can be one of the most dangerous and damaging crimes out there.

In the event you have not been paying enough attention to the dangers that identity theft fraud and online criminals in general can present to your family, spend some time researching the problem.

Will identity theft strike your family? There are steps you can take in order to best protect your family. Check them out below…

Take a Pro-Active Approach

So that you can better protect the ones you love, remember these pointers in keeping your online footprints safe:

• Security software – To get you off on the right foot, what kind of security software do you have in place? If the answer is you don’t, change that mindset immediately. One of the worst things you can do is leave your Internet connection vulnerable to online criminals. As you might expect, many identity theft thieves and online criminals take as much time as needed to try and breakthrough multiple computers daily. With online criminals always trying to stay one step ahead of security technology, you need to be as well protected as possible. Whether opting for a LifeLock plus account or other brands, don’t tempt fate;

 

• Teaching commonsense – Another key piece of the puzzle in doing the utmost to protect your family is teaching commonsense. While adults can (and do) make mistakes, it is important to instruct your kids (especially the younger ones) on how to properly navigate the online world each time they use the Internet. Online criminals will especially look to prey on children, figuring they will not be smart enough to figure out what is going on. As it turns out in some cases, the kids will outsmart the criminals. Part of the reason for that is mom (and sometimes dad) have taught their children to avoid online strangers, not divulge personal information about where they live etc., and steer clear of mentioning where the family does business (banking, shopping etc.). This can all add up to safety for you and yours, not to mention frustration for the identity theft thief and other online perpetrators;

 

• Falling for scams – Finally, if you get a request in an email etc. that asks you to open and download an attachment, it surely better be safe. Unfortunately, many identity theft thieves cover-up their illegal activities by trying to pose as someone you know. For example, you may get an email request from a family member or friend, one that asks you to download an item. While it all might look legit up front, it could very well be a trap, a trap that would ultimately have you downloading malicious malware. To best steer clear of that trap, never open something up if you are the least bit suspicious of it. The best way to avoid this problem (actually two ways) is by having a security software system in place to help identify potential viruses, along with confirming with the person as to whether or not they really sent the email. You might be surprised to learn in many cases that the person in fact did not send the email. By being a little careful and cautious, you have just avoided a potential problem.

Just as you would not leave your front door wide open when you go to bed or leave your car doors unlocked in a bad neighborhood, don’t leave your online life fully exposed.

Online criminals are smart enough (at least the majority of them) to figure out how to break into your computer, especially when you unknowingly assist them.

Play the role of spoiler and keep them away from hurting you and your family.

In the end, it will be you that has the last laugh on them, a laugh that will be well worth it.