Safeguarding Your Identity

Lana Gautier didn’t become an identity theft expert by choice.

She wasn’t even thinking about it, until her identity got stolen.

“Someone was using my social security number to max out credit cards, and default on everything. It was going on for years,” she says.

Unfortunately, Gautier is not alone. About 11.6 million U.S. adults were victims of online identity theft in 2011, according to this identity fraud report.

And with the growing presence of online banking, shopping and socializing, this statistic is likely to grow.

Gautier channeled her experience into running Identity Theft Manifesto, a site on prevention tips and resources for victims. Here are her top tips to prevent hackers from swiping your identity:

First, start with your computer. Make sure your security programs are up-to-date and set to properly protect your information. Always use strong passwords – the more random and diverse the characters, the better. Use a password manager if you have too many to remember, but do use different passwords for every website you use.

Next, password-protect your cell phone and thoroughly vet applications you install.

Then, check your credit score annually. Any major fluctuations in your credit history are an immediate clue to suspicious activity.

Lastly, it may be time to alter social networking habits. Think of how much personal data is available to would-be thieves via your Facebook profile – your birthdate, your pet’s name, your mother’s name, your location, etc.

Most importantly, don’t be complacent. Gautier says, “identity theft is non-discriminatory crime. Anyone is a potential target.”

For more identity protection advice, click around on the FTC’s Identity Theft Prevention site.

Bonus PINK Link: Read more about how to prevent identity theft in our online exclusive.

Minute Mentor: Learn more about financial independence from SunTrust’s Lechelle Moore.

Has anyone you know been an identity theft victim? How did they recover?

By Carmen Harbour

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde