Don’t copy your pin numbers, cram them

Nowadays people give out personal information when they engage in business or personal transactions. Identity thieves use such opportunities to gather personal information without an individual’s knowledge and then use the details to commit fraud.

Such fraudsters could also gather personal information through lost identity cards, credits cards and even lost mobile phones. However, a few simple methods could save you from these opportunists.

Never carry important personal documents such as your National Social Security Funds card, birth certificate, passport and insurance cards, or any unnecessary receipts that have all your information if you are not using them.

Some people like writing down their passwords and PIN numbers everywhere. Remember, these could be copied by someone else who could use the information to fleece your account, transfer airtime from your mobile phone or access your email.

While it is necessary to give out some information on the internet when applying for some jobs, beware of conmen and women who pose as company representatives offering jobs but who are actually trying to gather important information such as your bank account number or mobile phone details.

When you use ATM machines, remember to destroy the balance statement lest it lands in the wrong hands. Shred documents with personal information like credit card receipts before dumping them.

Protect your gadgets like mobile phones, computers and i-pads with strong passwords. In case you lose ATM or credit cards through theft, immediately contact the card companies and banks before someone crack your passwords.