Think Information Kept at Home Can't Lead to Identity Theft?
Your Home Is Not an Identity Theft Sanctuary
Our home is a haven away from the real world and we'd all like to think we're safe there. Unfortunately, our homes are more susceptible than many of us think, especially when it comes to identity theft. It's time to think about all of the people who come in and out of our homes each day and how it can put your identity at risk.
Housekeepers, Contractors -- the List Goes On
How many people go through your home? People you don't really know on a personal level? Do you have a housekeeper or housekeeping service come in? Do you ever hire contractors to work on your home? How about the friends of your children? Do they come over when you're not home?
What about people you do know. Co-workers, family members and friends? How much access do they have to your home?
It's time to put something into perspective -- each and every person who comes into your home has the potential to commit identity theft if you leave information laying around that shouldn't be.
Paranoia?
I hate to sound like I don't want you trusting anyone at all, but the fact of the matter is that you never really know who you can and can't trust. When someone becomes an identity theft victim at the hands of someone they knew, the first thing out of their mouths is usually "I never thought they could do that to me."
Well, I never want to hear any of you say that. That's why I'm telling you that it's better to be safe than sorry. Don't leave checkbooks, your drivers license or any other personal info laying around where prying eyes might find it. You may be erring on the side of caution, but it's better than throwing caution to the wind and becoming the next identity theft victim.