Identity Theft – Seven Tips To Keep It From Happening To You!
According to the FBI identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States and is probably going to get worse as technology grows.
Identity thieves rob more than 500,000 Americans every year. If it happens to you, your credit can be damaged, and fixing it can cost you hundreds (probably thousands) of dollars and take hundreds of hours of your time. You might become a victim if you don’t take steps to protect yourself!
Here are seven ways you can reduce your risk of identity theft:
Guard Your Social Security Number
Your Social Security number is the key to your credit report and banking accounts – and is the prime target of criminals looking for their next identity theft victim. Never print your Social Security number on checks. Don’t use them as passwords for your online accounts.
Monitor Your Credit Report
Your credit report contains your Social Security number and your present and past employers. With this information alone someone can often get credit in your name. For instance, store credit card applications usually just ask for your social security number, current address employer.
After applying for a loan, rental or anything else that requires a credit report request that your Social Security number be completely obliterated and your credit report be shredded. A lender or rental manager only needs to retain your name and credit score to justify their decision.
After you apply for store credit pull your credit report within the week. Store employees have access to the applications which contain all the information they need to make you their next victim of identity theft!
Shred All Old Bank And Credit Statements And Write “Junk Mail” Across The Credit Card Offer Applications You Receive In The Mail Before Trashing Them
It is best to use a crosscut shredder for this. These shredders sometimes cost a few dollars more but they are better.
Better yet, apply for the LifeLock service. For just $10 a month they will see that you are removed from most junk mail lists so that you won’t get the “you’re pre-approved” applications in the mail any more.
Do Not Mail Bill Payments And Checks From Home
These can be easily stolen from your mailbox. Modern identity theft thieves have developed a method of washing them clean in chemicals and then putting any amount on them they choose. Take them directly to the Post Office, mail them from your place of employment or drop them directly into a mailbox.
Always Check The Current Charges On Your Credit Card Statements Before Paying Them. Cancel Unused Credit Cards
It doesn’t hurt to have at least 3 credit cards for emergencies. Anything more than that is excessive and you should think about canceling them.
Cancel the newest ones first though, as credit history is important to your credit score so keeping older cards shows longevity and reflects better on your score.
Never Give Your Credit Card Number Or Personal Information Over The Phone
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Unless you initiated the call and trust that business. If someone randomly calls you and says they are from your [Master Card, Visa, Bank Name] and asks YOU to verify yourself using your credit card number, bank account number, SS number or anything else that’s private information DON’T give it. If they were really from the company THEY would tell YOU the information and ask you to verify it.
There are many other ways to protect yourself from identity theft but the most important thing is to use common sense. Trust no one when it comes to your identity and keep yourself protected!
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