Identity theft is a serious crime, impacting hundreds of thousands of consumers around the country every year. Despite the security measures implemented online, however, you’ll find that these cybercriminals are always finding new ways to circumvent these protections to assume the identities of unsuspecting consumers. However, to identity thieves, not all personal information is equal. As such, understanding what details the value most and the steps you can take to protect your personal details can help you avoid becoming a victim. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Michigan identity theft lawyer to help you reclaim your information and fight any erroneous charges.
What Personal Information Is Most Valuable for Identity Thieves?
One of the most valuable pieces of information that a thief can obtain is your full name and address. While they may not be able to do much with these details on their own, when combined with other personal information, this can serve as an important foundation for criminal acts, like opening credit accounts in your name or even committing crimes. As such, this information is incredibly valuable to thieves. In some instances, they can even use this information to obtain further personal details by targeting you for phishing attempts.
Ultimately, however, one of the most valuable pieces of information that an identity thief can get their hands on is your login credentials. Though you may assume a Social Security number is the most valuable asset, when sold on the dark web, these are only worth about two dollars. Log-in information, however, is worth significantly more. This is because it is easier for thieves to access the networks of companies to commit ransomware attacks and phishing schemes, which can help them steal more money from unsuspecting individuals.
What Can I Do to Protect This Information?
Taking the necessary steps to protect your personal information can help reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft. One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to be wary of where you store your information. This means staying alert to phishing scams, removing your personal details from website servers, and utilizing two-factor authentication methods for your accounts. This requires a secondary, secure code to access an account, even if a correct username and password are provided. As such, this deters thieves from accessing the information stored in your online accounts.
Identity theft is a serious issue, and one that may forget is a real threat until they are impacted. If you find yourself the victim of identity thieves in Michigan, it’s in your best interest to connect with the experienced attorneys at Lyngklip & Associates. Our firm understands the immense impact this can have on your life and your finances, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you reclaim your identity. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our experienced team to learn how we can fight for you during these difficult matters.
