Many of us don’t really consider the workplace as a place where we can fall victim to identity theft. The truth of the matter is many people fall victim to identity theft each year and the thief was someone that they worked with or that worked for the same company.
Protecting yourself from identity theft at work is becoming more and more of a hot topic. Job applications and other employment data are becoming prime targets for identity theft thieves. Not only does your employer need to takes steps to protect your personal information but you too have a responsibility in making sure your information does not get into the wrong hands.
Getting a job with a company requires certain personal information to be given to the employer. When giving your personal information out watch for eaves droppers, give your information out in a private area. Inquire about how your information will be used and stored. Who has access to your personal information? Access to this information should be limited and require a password to enter the database. Most businesses have procedures in place to protect your information against identity theft.
Don’t keep your personal information out in the open. Leaving your wallet or purse in an unsecured place can increase your chance of being a victim of identity theft. Don’t carry credit cards in your purse or wallet if you don’t need too. Leave them at home where they are secure. Only give out personal information to individuals and businesses that you are familiar with and trust.
Don’t keep lunch receipts with your credit card information on them out in the open where they can be seen or stolen by others. Shred personal or financial information that you don’t need. Don’t just throw it in the trash; the trash is a prime source for identity theft thieves.
For the most part, your options for protecting yourself against identity theft at work are limited. Thieves sometimes will take a job with a company in order to steal information that they can use to commit identity theft. Companies take steps to prevent this by doing background checks along with other good hiring practices but that doesn’t deter or stop all thieves.
Check your credit report on a regular basis for any signs that you have fallen victim to identity theft. If you find inaccurate or suspicious information contact you the credit reporting agency along with any creditors that you feel your accounts have been compromised. If you have been victimized report it immediately to the proper authorities.
Jason Deines writes for an informational website, MyInfoSource.biz. Visit MyInfoSource for additional information on Identity Theft and Identity Theft in the Workplace
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