On My Own
Heading out into the real world is exciting, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Here are a few things to prepare for.
Avoid Identity Theft
Identity theft instances seem to be on the rise. Some people don’t find out their identity has been stolen until they go to purchase a home or take out a loan. At that point, it could take months to clear your good name. What you distribute and store via your computer can give hackers easy access to your accounts and other personal information.
Here are some simple precautions to avoid identity theft:
- Enter personal information on secured websites only
- Log out of any secure websites and do not store your username and password on the site
- Make sure all files are deleted if selling or throwing away a computer
- Do not carry any personal papers (i.e. passport, birth certificate) with you unless absolute necessary
- Shred all account statements, credit card bills and loan documentation if they are no longer needed
Sometimes an identity thief can strike even if you’ve been very careful about keeping your personal information secure. If you suspect that your personal information has been misused to commit fraud or theft, take action immediately, and keep a detailed record of your conversations and correspondence. Visit www.univest.net for additional tips on how to keep your personal information private and what to do if you find that your identity has been stolen.