Prevent Identity Theft Online

Every few seconds, there's a victim of identity theft in the US. And if that wasn't enough to alarm you, it's also the fastest growing crime in the entire country. That's why you can truly never be too careful, especially online, where a majority of the crime takes place. These are things you should already be doing so you don't become a victim. If not, it's time to adopt some of these preventative measures now.

Share Safely

These days, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't use the internet for one reason or another. But what you will often find is that many users aren't logged in securely when they surf the web. When you're on a shared or public computer, always make sure you log off all of your accounts before the next person uses it. There are many cases in which a user will accidentally leave their email service logged in and this is one of the most no-brainer ways a thief can steal your identity.

Secure Your Network

Similarly, on your personal computer, you should have firewalls and anti-spy ware software installed to protect you and your household. Make sure you've connected to your own secure network when you're checking personal information such as bank accounts and emails, or when making purchases online. A secure network is one that only you and your household has access to through a protected password. If you log onto an unsecured network and make a credit card transaction, this information can be viewed by a third party on the same network.

Beware of Email Scams

Many of us have been inundated with so much spam that we can recognize it the moment we see it and delete it right away. But some spam is so sophisticated that even the savviest users are fooled. Sometimes, you'll receive what looks like an email from a trusted company, asking for personal information such as social security numbers or credit card information for their records. You aside should never provide your social security information online and from an online purchase, your credit card information should never be given online for any reason.

If you're suspicious of the look of the email, or the nature of the information requested, don't go any further and instead contact the institution directly via their website, and ask if any such email was sent to their database of customers. This is especially important if the institution is your bank. Clicking on links or downloading attachments within suspicious emails is a risk you don't want to take.

Another form of scam known as "phishing" uses refund offers and special prizes in exchange for information you provide. If it sounds too good to be true or too easy, then it probably is.

Frequently Change Your Password

Though this one can be a hassle, changing your password every few months is one of the simplest ways you can prevent identity thieves from infiltrating your accounts. And when you change your password, don't just add an extra 1 or 2 at the end – make significant changes that will keep thieves guessing.

Be Choosy When Shopping

It's alright to shop online, as long as the website is a secure and trusted one. You'll know if it's a safe place to shop if there's a seal of security somewhere on the home page, such as a VeriSign seal or the "SSL" mark, often found in the Privacy and Security section of the website. For more information, visit www.verisign.com.

Turn Off Your Computer!

As silly as this sounds, it's a good idea to turn off your computer when it's not in use. When your computer is off, you're not connected to any network, making it safe from any intervention. This is the most fool-proof way of preventing information theft.