Who Is Stealing Your Identity This Halloween?

[David Newton]

It’s Halloween and it is a lot fun to dress up and pretend to be someone else or “something else”. We spend just a short time taking on the persona of whomever we want to portray; however, it is just for fun. We aren’t doing it to bilk or otherwise harm someone. But, there are criminals who do this every day and not just for fun.

Identity thieves are around every corner actively seeking every opportunity to cash in on your honest life. Now, with the advancement of technology, they don’t necessarily have to leave home to do it. Still, when you leave home, you should be extra careful with any electronic devices such as cell phones, Ipads, or laptops. When you are out having a good time, criminals see this as a golden opportunity to take advantage of your good mood. Here are just a few suggestions to help with identity theft prevention this Halloween.

• Be sure to have good security software on your electronic devices
• You don’t have to always link your mobile devices to “everything”
• Password protect all devices with at least a 13 character password(include numbers and punctuation)
• Treat your electronic devices as if you are at the airport; don’t let them leave your sight
• Carry only what you need

Remember identity thieves don’t have to resemble the monsters we portray during Halloween. They may look like the average Jekyll. For more tips on protecting your identity, call 919-302-8849. Be safe and have fun.

[Fred T. Gruber Jr.]

Excellent advice David!

[David Newton]

Thanks Fred. I hope you had a great Halloween.