Using ATM machines or paying for items with your credit card puts your identity at risk while in public places. Identity thieves have become quite clever in ‘catching’ personal information from cards, compromising the security of these items.

As a consumer, what steps can you take to protect your identity in public places?

1. If paying for services or goods with a credit or debit card at restaurants or stores you need to watch how the shop attendant swipes the magnetic stripe. Some employees have a hand-held ‘skimmer’ device, which they quickly swipe your card with before using the correct machine. The skimmer captures all your account information. At a later time they will then be able to download your account details on to a computer. Now this person has enough of your personal details to be able to shop over the Internet or they may even be using the information to create counterfeit cards. If you are vigilant and closely observe what the employee is doing with your card, you can catch them out if they do use a skimmer.

2. When using an ATM you need to be wary of devices watching your every move. Identity thieves may use equipment to record your movements. This equipment can be placed just above or next to the card reader allowing the thieves access to your pin number. The hidden equipment will be placed at the ATM for several hours, while the thieves will be hiding close by with a video camera. The camera will record you punching in your pin number. You can combat this practice by placing your hand over the keypad or shielding it with your body. This practice should also be used whenever you use an ATM machine to pay for items, such as in the grocery store. If the keypad is easily seen by those within close range, ensure you punch your pin number in, in a covert manner. These thieves are sometimes referred to as ‘shoulder surfers’ and may also be watching you if you are on a public internet terminal accessing personal information.

Keeping your social security number private is another concern when in public. Do not say this number out loud when you are in a public place. And you must not let others repeat your number aloud. Get them to write it down or whisper it if they need to repeat it. If they have written it down for your verification, make sure you retrieve the piece of paper it was written on and destroy it. Also, resist having your social security or driver’s license number printed on your checks. Do not let anyone else write your social security number on checks either.

It seems being in public leads to many unscrupulous characters trying to steal our personal information. Be aware this is the case and you will go a long way to stopping this form of identity theft.

You can Get the complete Identity theft Protection Guide