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Avoid Identity Theft by Reducing Your Digital Footprint

Identity theft and your digital footprint

Identity theft and your digital footprint

May 23, 2024

When you use the Internet, it is essential to consider your digital footprint. A digital footprint is the information you leave behind when using the Internet. This footprint can consist of a lot of data related to your identity, such as the following:

What is a Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint is information obtained directly and indirectly. Directly obtained information includes anything provided on social media and other online forums. Indirect information involves data obtained through cookies or apps that collect your information in the background.

Thieves can use this information to steal your identity, a rising crime. Identity thieves can use your identity to obtain loans or credit cards, steal your tax refund, commit crimes, and more. Sometimes, they use stolen personal information for “swatting.” This crime involves reports of fake emergencies to garner responses from law enforcement, often involving a SWAT team.

Reducing Your Footprint

However, you can reduce your digital footprint to mitigate the chances of theft. Here are a few steps you can take:

Consumers should run self-background checks if they suspect someone has stolen their identity. Contact law enforcement and financial institutions if someone has stolen your information. The government also recommends reporting identity theft on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website. The FTC can work with you to create an individualized plan to help recover the stolen identity and its effects.

Protect and guard your personal information and your identity with a seamless self background check. Try it today.

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