According to a 2016 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 10% of people 16 or older experience at least one type of identity theft. That’s why it’s important for us all to protect our private data whenever possible. Here are ten easy tips for keeping your personal data secure:
- Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet. Keep that card in a safety deposit box.
- Shred old tax and financial documents that are no longer needed. Many local businesses and office supply companies offer secure shredding.
- Never give out your password or account information over the phone.
- Use different passwords for each website, that way if hackers get one password they won’t automatically be able to access every website you visit.
- If you have to write down your passwords, do not keep it on a sticky note near your computer. A thief is going to look in the nearest drawer.
- Keep tax and financial records in a secure, locked location.
- Install anti-virus software on your computer, make sure it runs regularly.
- Do not open e-mail attachments without scanning them.
- Run a credit report on you and your spouse at least once a year to verify that no one has opened false accounts in your name. Visit https://www.usa.gov/credit-reports for more details.
- Be wary of door-to-door solicitors or phone marketers asking personal details. Sometimes they are just scammers trying to get more personal information out of you.
Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.
This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.
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Clergy Financial Resources
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Maple Grove, MN 55369
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