Some Tips on Avoiding Identity Theft

To avoid identity theft while giving personal data or login information to websites make sure you are using a secure connection. Otherwise you may be at risk for identity theft. As a bankruptcy lawyer, I encounter people struggling with identity theft all the time.

Most people think they're avoiding identity theft simply by being careful who handles their documents, shredding receipts and old credit cards, never giving out their full Social Security number, etc. But it's not just people going through your trash or snatching your wallet that you have to worry about anymore. Essentially, you need to worry about someone digging through your internet.

The best thing you can do is make sure you are connected securely to the Internet if you're going to submit any personal information to websites. I could explain in detail what security vs. encryption is, but frankly it's boring and complicated. What you need to know is what the security does: a secure connection ensures that people who are on the same network as you (say you were logged in at work, or using the WiFi at Starbucks) can't steal your information. And if you're not connected to a shared network (say you're using WiFi at home) be sure to double and triple check to make sure you require a password to connect.

Don't believe me? Check out how this guy managed to steal FORTY identities using the WiFi at a Starbucks for just a half hour. How did he do it? People were signing into unsecure websites (for some this includes Facebook) using a shared network, and he was able to hack into their computers and steal their information.

Think about how much personal information you have stored in your Facebook account. Or your web-based e-mail. If someone managed to get your logins, the results could be catastrophic. That's why it's so important to only put information out there if you're on a secure connection. If you're using a public network, make sure that "https://" appears before the URL instead of " http://.The "s" stands for "security.".

Having your identity stolen can be an awful experience. It's so important these days to make sure all of your information is secure. It might seem annoying to take these extra steps towards security, but the alternative is far worse. Would you rather take a minute of your time to ensure that your private information is secure, or deal with everything an identity theft entails?


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James Brown is a personal bankruptcy attorney in St. Louis, Missouri. He has filed over 30,000 bankruptcy cases and published many books and articles. You can request his free Missouri and Illinois bankruptcy guide for the best tips on how to prepare for your bankruptcy and find a great bankruptcy attorney.