How are identity thieves able to access my bank accounts or credit cards?

Identity thieves are able to access your bank accounts or credit cards in a variety of different ways. The most common way they can gain access is through phishing scams. This is when a criminal sends you an email or message claiming to be from your bank or credit card company asking for personal information such as your account login credentials or your Social Security number. The criminal will then use this information to gain access to your account, allowing them to make purchases or transfer money out of your accounts without your knowledge. Another way identity thieves can gain access to your accounts is by stealing your mail. They may try to find banking statements or other financial documents that contain your personal information and use it to gain access to your accounts. A third way is by stealing your wallet or purse, which may contain credit cards and other identification documents. Finally, malicious software can be installed on your computer or mobile device that can be used to steal your personal information, allowing criminals to gain access to your accounts. All of these methods can be used to steal your financial and personal information, so it is important to always be aware of how you store and share your personal information online, especially with financial institutions. Additionally, keeping all of your financial documents secure and using strong passwords can help protect you from identity theft.

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