how to prevent identity theft

The PerpetratorsYour information is vulnerable to a wide variety of would be thieves

The PUBLIC WIFI PREDATOR

Sets up fake Wi-Fi networks or uses sniffer software to steal victims’ personal information as victims are using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports or hotels.

The HI-TECH HENIOUS HACKERUses technology know-how to obtain victims’ data and personal information by hacking home Wi-Fi networks or using social engineering, malware, or phishing email.

Gathers victims’ personal and financial information by dumpster diving, stealing mail, shoulder surfing or swiping wallets/purses.

The DUMPSTER DIVING DELINQUENT

What Could These Crooks Do with Your Personal

Information?

These criminals could sell or trade your information on the black market…

…spreading it to even more shady people!

Number of Identity Theft Incidents & Total Fraud Amount by Year

Identity Theft Is On The Rise!

• 1 in 20 American adults were victims of identity theft in 2012.

• An identity theft incidence occurs 20 times every minute!

• 25% of people who receive data breach notifications become victims of identity theft.

• Consumers who had their social security number compromised in a data breach were 5 times more likely to be a fraud victim than an average consumer.

• 18% of more than 2 million complaints that the consumer sentinel network received in 2012 were related to identity theft, making it the number one problem reported to the agency.

Scary Identity Theft Statistics

Common Ways Victims’ Information is Misused

AS REPORTED TO THE CONSUMER SENTINEL NETWORK

How You Can Fight BackThe best ways to protect yourself

Follow these Security Measures When Using Public WiFi

• Use a VPN service to encrypt all your internet communications (VPN offers the highest level of security

• Confirm the network name

• Turn off sharing of printer and files

• Turn on the firewall on your device

• Limit online shopping and banking on public Wi-Fi

• Enable WPA 2 Encryption on your home Wi-Fi Network

• Install anti-virus and anti-malware programs and keep them up to date

• Enable firewall protection

• Create random and strong passwords for all accounts

• Beware of phishing emails

• Limit the information you share on social media sites

Secure Your Device and Your Home WiFi Network

• Keep important documents in a safe bolted to the floor

• Put a lock on your mailbox

• Shred any papers that have your personal information on them before discarding

• Monitor your credit reports regularly

• Institute a credit free to prevent anyone from applying for new credit using your name

• Enlist an identity theft protection service

Protect Your Personal Information Offline

Unleash the Power of Hotspot Shield VPN

Hotspot Shield VPN enables you to surf the web privately and securely, protecting you from hackers, malware and identity theft.

Get Hotspot Shield for free at www.hotspotshield.com

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