How Criminals Falsify Your Personal Information – Criminal Defense Attorney in Indiana

You rely on personal information to verify your identity, conduct online business, and even process your tax forms. Although the rise in online activity and e-commerce has emboldened criminals to use increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal data, some continue to rely on thefts of physical items like credit card receipts for fraudulent purchases.

Protecting your data from online and physical threats is essential, and you may need a criminal defense attorney in Indiana for expert advice. You can learn how criminals use your information in the following sections.

Social Security Numbers and Tax Info
Your social security number (SSN) and tax information are more sought after from criminals than any other type of information. Memorizing the SSN and keeping your records secure can help minimize the chances of identity theft, but your data can still fall into the wrong hands if an organization carrying your account info is hacked. If you discover your identity has been stolen, you can speak to an Indiana criminal defense attorney to protect yourself against fraudulent claims. Hackers can submit fraudulent tax returns with your data and send the refund to their accounts.

ID Cards and Checks
Old ID cards and canceled checks contain a considerable amount of valuable information that criminals can use to drain your bank accounts with fraudulent purchases. Your name, address, checking account number and routing number are a goldmine for unscrupulous characters. Avoid throwing any document or card containing valuable data in the trash. You can use a paper shredder to destroy cards and receipts containing your account info, and you can refrain from opening online accounts that require a photo capture of your ID or check.

E-Commerce
You may have several online accounts that you use for regular purchases, but are all of them secure? Only use secure, trusted online vendors for purchases and speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indiana if your online data is stolen. Contact Potts Law at (317) 951-0087 or fill out the online contact form.