Identity theft is one of the most common crimes in the U.S. \u2013 it occurs when con artists gain access to personal information they can use to hack into the victim\u2019s bank account, run up charges on their credit cards, get medical treatment on their health insurance, use their airline miles, or commit other scams.<\/p>\n
While identity theft can happen to anyone and at any time, the risk is greater for people on the move. During the relocation process, a lot of information is disclosed to strangers (movers, homebuyers, contractors, etc.), old documents are thrown away, and mail isn\u2019t always forwarded to the new address in time \u2013 which makes it easier for identity thieves to get hold of sensitive information and use it for fraudulent purposes.<\/p>\n
To prevent this from happening during your move, you need to be extra careful and take every measure to protect your personal data from prying eyes. Here are some essential tips to help you prevent identity theft when moving:<\/p>\n
When preparing for a house move, you\u2019re strongly advised to sort out your possessions and get rid of unneeded items<\/a>. Documents make no exception \u2013 moving is the perfect time to organize your papers and dispose of outdated ones.<\/p>\n When doing so, though, make sure you don\u2019t just toss out your old files – you never know who could rummage through your trash can when you leave. Dumpster diving is one of the most common ways identity thieves get personal information – they comb through the garbage, looking for old bills, tax returns, mortgage documents, insurance policies, and other financial records that may contain valuable information (contact details, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and even Social Security numbers).<\/p>\n So, when discarding unneeded files, be sure to destroy them completely, so no one can extract any information from them:<\/p>\n You need your old files to disappear without a trace.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve sorted your documents, put all important papers in a small lockbox and be sure to keep it safe during the move \u2013 lock it in a separate room together with your essentials and valuables on moving day (so that no one has access to your files and they don\u2019t get accidentally loaded on the moving truck) and make sure it travels with you. (See also: What items to move yourself<\/a>)<\/p>\n It\u2019s crucial that you keep your documents with you at all times \u2013 not only to reduce the risk of identity theft, but also to have access to your papers during the trip to your new home and immediately after arrival, when the rest of your items won\u2019t be delivered yet. Besides, if you box up your files and have them loaded on the moving truck, something may happen on the road (traffic accident, robbery, fire, etc.) and your papers may be lost or damaged \u2013 which will cause great inconveniences and will cost you plenty of time, money, and headaches, even if your documents are not stolen for fraudulent purposes.<\/p>\n Related useful information: How to organize documents when moving<\/a><\/p>\n Since so much sensitive data is stored online and on electronic devices in our digital age, it\u2019s important to safeguard not only your paper files, but your digital information as well.<\/p>\n 1) Make sure no one has access to your computers, tablets, and smartphones during the moving process:<\/p>\n 2) Delete all personal information from electronic devices you\u2019re giving to someone else:<\/p>\n 3) Change all your passwords the day after you move. It is enough to change only one number or letter – your accounts will be safe.<\/p>\n Keeping your sensitive information safe is your best protection against identity predators. Yet, there are other efficient ways to prevent identity theft you need to consider as well.<\/p>\n Your hired movers will have access to your property, your belongings, and your private information, so it\u2019s crucial that you choose a reliable and reputable moving company to work with.<\/p>\n Dishonest movers can rip you off and turn your relocation experience into a real nightmare \u2013 and, needless to say, disclosing sensitive information to a shady business can do you a lot of harm too. (See also: Common moving frauds<\/a>)<\/p>\n You need to find movers you can trust \u2013 licensed and insured moving professionals with rich experience and excellent track record. Ask family and friends for recommendations, read online reviews, and check movers\u2019 ratings to narrow down your search to several reputable businesses. Once you find three or four trustworthy carriers that seem to suit your relocation needs and preferences, ask them for in-house estimates of your moving costs and research the companies in detail \u2013 interview the movers to get as much information as possible, verify the companies\u2019 USDOT numbers, check their ratings with the BBB, research their complaint histories, etc. Compare the offers (not only the final price, but also the included services, expected timeframes, and special conditions) and choose the best movers for you<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bonus tips: <\/strong><\/p>\n You may have found reliable movers \u2013 and you can trust experienced professionals to do a good job \u2013 but you still need to be there on moving day. Make your plans so that you\u2019re present when the movers arrive and stay around so you can personally oversee the entire process. Give the pros space to work, but be there for them if they have questions or need clarifications and pay attention – there is a lot of stuff to relocate, so it\u2019s easy for something to be misplaced – or stolen – without anyone realizing it until it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n Your presence will discourage any attempts for identity theft on moving day because no one will dare to meddle with your personal items – and no strangers will dare to enter your home – when you are around.<\/p>\n Now you know how to prevent identity theft before and during your move. All that is left to do is to ensure that no one gains access to your personal information after you\u2019ve already left your old home.<\/p>\n Records and documents mailed to the wrong address greatly increase the risk of identity theft \u2013 sensitive information may fall in the wrong hands, papers containing personal data may be improperly discarded and found by identity thieves, etc.<\/p>\n\n
Keep your important documents with you<\/h2>\n
Safeguard electronic information<\/h2>\n
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Find trustworthy movers to work with<\/h2>\n
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Be present on moving day<\/h2>\n
Re-direct your mail to your new address<\/h2>\n