Halloween Identity Protection 101: Tips and Tricks

Halloween is all about tricks, treats, and pretending to be something you’re not. Don’t be fooled this Halloween season. Keep your identity protected.

Halloween is a time for fun, candy, tricks, and treats, but it can also be one of the scariest times of the year (and not because of the costumes). With pranks and tricks galore, most of which are meant to be fun, it means that for the rest of us, we need to keep a watchful eye on our identity. The sad truth is that some people are not wearing masks for fun and they are not going door to door in search of candy. In fact, these types of pranksters much prefer it if you are not home at all. They are looking for things that are far more valuable than candy. Keep you and your family safe this Halloween, whether you are out collecting candy or home giving out the treats.

IF YOU’RE AWAY FOR TRICK OR TREATERS, DON’T LEAVE AN OPEN BOWL OF CANDY WITH A NOTE.

This is a giveaway your home is not occupied. Be sure to keep your home well-lit. Turn on a few lights around your home to give the impression that someone is home and still awake. Additionally, well-lit areas outside your home will deter potential intruders or malicious pranksters by eliminating hiding places caused by shadows. It’s better to leave the lights on, doors locked, and have the trick or treaters move along.

BE CAUTIOUS OF ALL THOSE DOORBELL RINGERS.

Don’t be overly trusting of who you let into your home. You may be granting an identity thief access to vital information, like your social security number and more. While nearly all trick-or-treaters are innocent kids out to collect as much candy as they can possibly carry, you must still be cautious of whom you open the door for. If you have an uneasy feeling about the person approaching your door, don’t open it.

LEAVE OUT THE CANDY, HIDE THE “GOODIES.”

Don’t leave important personal documents out for viewing, especially when you’re hosting guests that will be in costume. Have your personal documents locked up or stored in an inaccessible location away from guests.

DESIGNATE A HOMEBODY WHILE YOU GO TRICK OR TREATING.

If you have little ones to take trick-or-treating, be sure someone else is home. A house can be easily broken into before anyone notices.

COSTUMED WRONGDOERS CAN GO THROUGH YOUR TRASH.

If Halloween falls on a trash day for you, it’s best to keep your bins close by until the fun has subsided. Remember, trash at the curb is public property and can easily be ruffled through by a masked wrongdoer. Be sure to keep sensitive documents for proper destruction and shredding, and only toss actual garbage in the trash.

Identity thieves are excited for the Halloween season, because their perfect costume is your identity! Call Legal Shred today to discuss some identity-saving tips, like safe, secure document destruction. Subscribe to our blog and contact us today to learn about our many different shredding options.

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