Don't Get Too Secure With Identity Theft Protection
Identity Theft Protection Can Only Go So Far
I've said it once and I'll say it again -- identity theft protection services can only take you so far. You still have to be mindful of what you do with your personal information. A recent "test" conducted by an executive at one of the biggest identity theft protection companies out there proves just how dangerous it can be to let your guard down.
Whoops, There It Is
Those of us concerned with identity theft do everything we can to keep our social security numbers private. However, Todd Davis, an executive at Lifelock, one of the biggest identity theft protection services in existence, was so confident that his company could prevent identity theft that he published his social security number for the world to see.
So there it was for everyone to see. Todd Davis' social security number, his name, and obviously, his employment information.
Fast forward a few months and police are now trying to find the criminal who stole Todd Davis's identity. Yep, it happened. Someone used the social security number Mr. Davis published to steal his identity and take out a loan.
Lesson Learned
See, it's like I've been saying all along. Identity theft protection services are very, very important -- but they're not foolproof. You need to combine good common sense and standard precaution with these services if you really want to reduce your risk of identity theft.
If you're going to use an identity theft protection service as a shield that will protect you from everything without you having to do anything else, don't bother. It's not going to happen. However, if you want identity theft protection services that will HELP you reduce your risk, along with other identity theft prevention measures, then by all means, I suggest you sign up.