You Wouldn't Even Think of Posting Your Social Security Number Online, But It's Possible Somebody Else Already Has

You're probably very careful about giving out your Social Security number, right? I am as well! Unfortunately, it may not ultimately matter. You can do everything right to protect your personal information, but it can still be compromised by the mistakes and negligence of others.

Think about all the companies you've worked for or have purchased products and services from in your lifetime. There's probably hundreds or thousands of them, right? Not all of them store personal information, but many of them do. And it's often highly sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, account numbers, passwords, PINs, etc.

Employers, healthcare providers, accountants, tax preparers, insurance companies, utilities, banks, lenders, payroll providers, retirement account custodians, etc., all store highly sensitive personal information. It takes just a single data breach at one of these companies to compromise your personal information and expose it to identity thieves.

Credit repositories like Equifax, Transunion, and Experian store huge amounts of sensitive personal information. So do government agencies like the Social Security Administration, IRS, Veterans Administration, DMV, unemployment office, etc.

Our personal information is everywhere. It's stored on countless computers attached to networks that are potentially vulnerable to data breaches.

And it's not just your personal information, it's personal information for your children, too. Healthcare providers, educational institutions, insurance companies, and employers also store sensitive information on your kids.

Here's the bottom line: there is no way so much personal information stored on so many computers can be secure 100% of the time.

If your identity is stolen, you could face a tedious, time-consuming, and expensive clean up process that can take years to complete. I know this because I've talked with people who have gone through it. Folks, it's not fun!

Identity theft can destroy your credit and make it more difficult (and expensive) to get a mortgage, car loan, or credit card. It may also be more difficult to get a job, professional certification, security clearance, apartment, or even just cell phone service.

Identity theft can also result in stolen tax refunds, drained bank accounts, and legal headaches over fraudulent debts taken out in your name.

In short, identity theft can be a nightmare to clean up.

Here's the good news: there is a way - and it's what I rely on to protect my own family.

Again, we can control what we do to protect our personal information, but we can't control what others do (or don't do) to protect our personal information. That's why it's critical to protect your family from  the mistakes and negligence of others.

If you don't, you and your family could be sitting ducks for identity thieves. 

We already protect our families against the financial consequences of house fires, car accidents, and catastrophic illnesses. Why wouldn't we also protect our families against the devastating consequences of identity theft?

How I protect my own family

Ten years ago, I discovered a simple and effective solution that has protected my family ever since. I think it could work well for your family, too.

Yes, I still get notices that my personal information was compromised in yet another data breach. I hate getting those notices, but at least I don't have to worry because I know my family is protected.

Before I go on, let me say something important: what I use to protect my family is great, but it has it's limitations. It can't guarantee you'll never be a victim of identity theft. Frankly, nothing can. It's not possible to prevent all identity theft any more than it's possible to prevent all car accidents. 

However, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk and consequences of identity theft. And if you do happen to be victimized, it's even possible to hand the big stinking mess to somebody else and let them clean it up for you. 

How cool is that? Would that ease your mind about the threat of identity theft? I know it did for me!

Here's what I use to protect my own family from the threat of identity theft:

Zander Identity Theft Protection

Dave Ramsey-endorsed Zander Identity Theft Protection is the simple, effective, and reliable solution I've used to protect my family for over ten years now. Their customer service is great (they always answer the phone), their system is easy to use, and the protection they provide is excellent.

P.S. Don't be a sitting duck for identity thieves a moment longer. Data breaches happen all the time. Will the next data breach compromise your personal information? Protect your family now!

Yes, I want to protect myself and my family now!