How to Protect Your Personal Information and Avoid Identity Theft When Moving

Keep Your Private Info Private During Your NYC Move

Data breaches have become everyday events, and almost everyone knows someone who’s been the victim of identity theft. Your personal information is valuable. It’s important to take steps to protect it during your move. Here are some house packing tips you need to know from Shleppers moving company in New York City.

Pay Attention During Your Pre-Move Purge

Downsizing is part of nearly everyone’s moving process. While you’re preparing items to be given away, sold, or trashed, take a moment to ensure they don’t have any of your personal information on or in them. Before you toss out an old wallet, make sure it doesn’t have an old license in it! Be especially careful where correspondence is concerned. Check books, magazines, and furniture drawers to be sure no documentation is tucked inside.

Keep Your Most Essential Documents with You

Vital documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, and financial account information, should travel with the homeowner. Do not pack these items in the moving truck or ship them: the risk of loss is too great.

All Electronic Devices Should Be Password Protected

Identity thieves love coming across unprotected electronic devices – it’s so easy to get to the owner’s data. Not having a password on your device is like not having a lock on your front door. In addition to your computers, laptops, tablets, and phones having passwords, you’ll want to be sure that other devices like Smart TVs, digital home assistants, and game consoles are protected. When available, install apps that allow you to disable it remotely and block access to your data: this will be useful in the event your devices are stolen before, during, or after your move.

Forward Your Mail & Update Delivery Addresses

Postal mail and package delivery present two areas of opportunity for would-be identity thieves – not to mention anyone who might be interested in helping themselves to whatever you ordered online! Make sure to update the delivery addresses on all your online shopping and subscription accounts. Additionally, you’ll want to forward your mail by visiting the USPS website. Notify friends and relatives that you have a new address so they won’t accidentally send anything to your previous address.

Monitor Your Credit Report

As a precaution, you can also keep an eye on your monthly credit report for suspicious activity. Monitor this for a few months after you move to make sure nothing unfamiliar is popping up. If mail is still being sent to your old address, identity thieves can use it to open accounts. It might seem like a hassle, but you should err on the side of caution by paying close attention to your credit report for just the next few months.

Be Careful Sharing Identifying Information Over the Phone

Before, during, or after your move, you might find yourself speaking on the phone a lot to get utilities set up, apply to apartments, or to take out a new mortgage. Be careful about sharing information such as your social security number, credit card info, or other personal data over the phone. You should be certain of who you’re talking to and if possible, use third party accounts for payments.

Hire a Trustworthy Local Moving Company Like Shleppers

While it might be tempting to go for the professional moving company that’s offering the lowest price, this might not be the best idea. It’s more important to hire a moving company that is honest, trustworthy, and reliable. This way, you know your information will be safe. At Shleppers, we always aim to keep you, your belongings, and your information safe. For more information, call us today at 800-847-4537 or fill out a free no-obligation quote here.