Identity theft is a very serious crime but we can show you how to prevent identity theft. If you become a victim of this crime it may have serious consequences. You could have difficulty clearing your credit report, getting new credit, and even get in trouble with the law. Today’s identity theft stories can be eye opening, therefor you need to do all you can to protect yourself.
There are numerous types of identity theft out there but basically the crime occurs when a thief gets information about your credit card numbers, name, address, social security number, and other personal information. Once they obtained your personal information, they will can make purchases, open bank accounts, apply for loans, apply for new credit cards, get government benefits, and/or commit other crimes in your name.
The best ways to prevent identity theft is to be careful with your information at all times. Other methods you need to employ are as follows:
At Home:
- Never throw away ATM receipts, credit statements, or bank statements in a usable form.
- Never give your credit card number or other personal information over the telephone unless you make the call.
- Memorize your Social Security number.
- Memorize your ATM & credit card PIN numbers.
- Reconcile your bank account monthly and notify your bank of discrepancies immediately.
- Report unauthorized financial transactions to your bank, credit card company, and the police as soon as you detect them.
- Review a copy of your credit report at least once each year. Notify the credit bureau in writing of any questionable entries and follow through until they are explained or removed.
- If your credit card is lost or stolen report it immediately to concerned authorities.
- Get your mail from the mailbox as soon as it has been delivered.
- Shred any documents which contain personal info before you discard them. This includes the credit card offers you receive in the mail as thieves can use them to get credit in your name.
On Line:
- Use complex passwords for your online logins.
- Keep your computer up to date with the latest firewalls and system updates especially security updates.
- Beware of emails, especially with attachments, belonging to someone you don’t know.
- Websites that ask for personal information should be secure. A secured website usually has URL that starts with “https://”, the “s” show the site is secured.
At Work:
- Ensure no one is listening when discussing personal information.
- Inquire about the data security guidelines in your office.
- Do not use work email for personal business.
- Do not purchase items online using your personal information.
In Public:
- Ensure no one is looking over your shoulder when filling out documents.
_ Ensure that your ATM pin is not being observed.
- Never leave important documents in sight in your parked vehicle.
There are many other ways to safeguard your personal information including various monitoring programs. In the near future we will be publishing reviews of these so you can decide if they might be beneficial to you.
It is important that you use common sense whenever you are dealing with your personal or financial information. Practicing these methods will surely minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft, you do not want to become one of the many identity theft stories which come up all the time.
In conclusion, always be alert and on guard. If someone asks for your personal information, a friend, acquaintance, or business be sure and confirm why they need the information. Knowing why they want your information, what are they going to do with it and how will it be kept secure can protect you from identity theft.
At identitytheftstories.net we look to these sites and others for further information about identity theft related issues and solutions. We hope that you will find them useful as well.
prevent identity theft by EBAY_SOURCERER
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