Identity theft or identity fraud can happen to any of us. Both terms refer to crimes in which someone steals your personal information to make purchases, drain your bank accounts, open credit card accounts, or otherwise engage in deceit, typically to enrich themselves. If you become a victim, you might run into problems getting approved for a mortgage, credit card, or personal loan; landing a job; or renting a place to live. And the damage could last years.

Take measures to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft — especially nowadays, with scammers out in full force trying to take advantage of fears triggered by the coronavirus. Here are some precautions you can take.

1. Watch out for scams

Don't respond to unsolicited texts, emails or calls that advertise products or services. In the wake of the coronavirus, for example, you might see pitches for low-cost health insurance, work-at-home schemes, and other offers designed to exploit your anxieties about your health and finances. It's generally best to ignore them.

Never click a link, open a file or download a program in an email from someone you don't know. Doing so could infect your device with a computer virus or spyware that steals your passwords or anything else you type. Don't give out personal information over the phone, through regular mail or over the internet unless you initiated the contact or you're confident that the individual or organization you're dealing with is legitimate. If you're curious about whether an email is really from the well-known organization identified as the sender, contact that organization to confirm that the email is genuinely theirs.

2. Protect personal data on your mobile devices and computer

Limit the amount of personal information you store on your phone or tablet. Be sure to secure your device with a password, PIN, or facial or touch recognition.

Before you dispose of a phone or tablet, check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to learn how to delete information permanently from the device. Remove the memory or SIM card, the phone book, lists of calls made and received, messages sent and received, voicemails, your web search history and photos.

Before getting rid of an old computer, use software designed to destroy the hard drive and all its files. Or hire a computer pro to do the job.

3. Install security software

Use antivirus and anti-spyware software as well as a firewall, and keep these safeguards up to date.

4. Use strong passwords

When creating an online password, avoid obvious choices like your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or consecutive numbers.

5. Watch that wi-fi

Avoid sending personal information over your laptop or smartphone while you're on an unsecured, wireless network at a coffee shop, airport, hotel or other public place.

6. Use a shredder

A thief can rummage through trash you've left outdoors to find items containing your personal data. Shred charge receipts, credit applications, bank statements, checks, doctors' statements, and old credit and debit cards you no longer need. Also, shred pre-approved credit card or personal loan offers that come in the mail if you don't intend to take advantage of them.

7. Guard against skimming

Skimming occurs when thieves use a magnetic card reader to steal your credit or debit card number while you're using an ATM or cash register keypad. At the same time, a tiny, wireless camera set up by the criminals can record your PIN as you type it.

When entering your password on a keypad, shield the keypad with your body or cover it with your free hand. Avoid using ATMs at retail stores, restaurants or airports, where they can be more susceptible to identity theft.

This material is provided solely for educational purposes; it does not take into account any specific individual facts and circumstances. It is not intended, and should not be relied upon, as tax, accounting, or legal advice.