8 Places That Could Be Putting Your Identity At Risk

In 2016, there were more than 4,000 data breaches, which exposed a staggering 4.2 billion records, according to a report from Risk Based Security. In light of this, it’s more important than ever to keep your private information safe from opportunistic identity thieves. That means you should take the time to think about the different businesses and professionals that either have your personally identifiable information (PII) or are requesting it.

Don’t be afraid to ask them point blank how they store your information and about the safeguards they take to keep it safe. If the answer is at all vague, consider moving your business elsewhere and don’t be afraid to ask them to delete whatever information they currently have on file. There are plenty of places that might ask for your Social Security number but don’t actually need it; don’t be afraid to first ask why, and then say no.

There are some things you can do to make yourself a more elusive target to hit, including monitoring your banking and credit card accounts and credit report regularly. You can minimize your exposure by doing the following: don’t overshare on social media; set up unique, strong passwords for your online accounts; consider a credit freeze; remain vigilant against phishing scams that might arrive via email or a phone call.

Again, here is a short list of just some of the places that could put your identity at risk.

1. Large companies: While you may think that larger companies have the resources and IT infrastructure to keep all of your information safe from cyber thieves, it’s just not true. Equifax’s September 2017 breach is a prime example of this. Nearly half of America was put at risk when the breach revealed the personal information of 143 million people — Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and even some driver’s license numbers.
2. Your doctor, dentist, optometrist, chiropractor or the like: With medical identity theft on the rise, it’s more important than ever to be extra cautious when it comes time to share your health insurance information along with the rest of your PII. For signs of medical identity theft, visit our blog post.
3. Small businesses: There’s no doubt that criminals are now targeting small businesses as a means to get customer PII the business might be storing, especially credit card information or Social Security numbers they can use for more insidious types of identity theft, like tax return identity theft, as well as for ransomware attacks. There’s really no reason your lawn service or mechanic needs to be storing any information that could put your identity at risk.
4. Schools, daycares and other education institutions: The school can confirm your address using a utility bill and they can get a hold of you with your email and phone number. They certainly don’t need your Social Security number, or your child’s number so if they ask, don’t be afraid to push back. And once your child has left a particular school, ask them to delete your child’s records.
5. Veterinarians: Just because you love your dog’s vet doesn’t mean they’re taking great care of your PII. As reported by 13 Action News, an animal hospital in Las Vegas left a trash bag of old records on the street, some of which contained owner’s Social Security numbers.
6. Children’s sports leagues: Yes, the leagues will need your child’s basic information and emergency contacts, etc. to enroll little Johnny or Jill but ask them how they store that information and what happens to it when Little League or swim team ends? Don’t be afraid to ask them to delete your record once it’s no longer needed.
7. Accountant: This is a biggie as your accountant has extremely sensitive personal data, including both electronic and hard copies. While bigger accounting firms are likely liability minded, the smaller firms and one-man shows might not be following cyber security best practices. Ask them about how secure their network is and how they store your files. If their answers leave something to be desired, it might be worth searching out a firm that makes data security its highest priority.
8. Car dealerships: If you’ve bought a car at a dealership before, you likely remember just how much paperwork was involved. If you financed a loan through the dealership, then they have your Social Security number as well. It behooves you to ask a few questions and make sure they’re diligent about keeping your info safe.

LibertyID provides expert, full service, fully managed identity theft restoration to individuals, couples, extended families* and businesses. LibertyID has a 100% success rate in resolving all forms of identity fraud on behalf of our subscribers.

*Extended families – primary individual, their spouse/partner, both sets of parents (including those that have been deceased for up to a year), and all children under the age of 25

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